The "herding to the front" process happened at our KH, too. As soon as the meeting began, even before the song was played, the speaker made the announcement, "There are lots of empty seats at the front." Usually about five rows. "Let's leave the back rows for the people with small children. Everyone else come to the front!" Then he waited for people to feel guilty enough to move. Basically the meeting did not start until people were "rearranged" according to the chairman's whim.
More control . . .
Glad I herded my Self out the door!
ESTEE