Jamie, there are always certain circumstances for each person... it's not easy on any of us, but we chose to do the right thing.
Yes, I know that, but I think you missed my point. My point was that many jws, either active, faded or fading, have seen up close and personal, situations like mine. They have seen jw relatives turn on someone who was literally saving their own lives by leaving. Once you've seen something like that, you know with a certainty that some, if not most of your jw relatives will definitely shun you if you leave just because you no longer believe.
Howver, I can see your point. Realistically, if all jws who wanted to or are in the process of fading would all leave at the same time, it would make quite an impact. But it's not realistic to think that could ever happen. People who are fading are experiencing enough fear and grief. As one who had the band-aid torn off all at once and having been out for 20 years, I would feel dishonest if I didn't tell people how it really is. Leaving is frightening and painful. Though it gets better, it never goes away. The closest thing I can compare being shunned with is experiencing the death of a loved one. The pain gets better with time, but it never goes away.