Metatron, I agree with every word you said. I used to think that it was just my congregation or just my area. But, I've come to learn that the same thing plays out all over. Its really no wonder that Bethel has such distain for the local elders. If they could figure out a way to go back to the company servant arrangement, I think they would do it.
However, as OTWO said, losing congregations isn't necessarily a bad thing for the WTS. They can cash out the property so in the short term, it could be profitable.
OM, so they finally decided that it is better without you than with you? Good for you! Its a real pain for a BOE to remove someone because it means more work both in the removal process and taking over the responsibilities that person was doing.
Also, they are losing MS so the pipeline for future elders is pretty slim.
I find it interesting that one of the big burn out reasons is all the administrative functions that the local branch puts on their existing elders. They could easily lighten that load but so far haven't done so.