You're right. I think the WTS has been gradually severing 1914 of its time-based limitations. I think it will simply boil down to being the place marker for the beginning of the "last days", when Christ kicked Satan out of heaven and took the throne. I think they can still spin the whole divine appointment, FDS thing however they want to suit their needs without ditching that date.
Edited to add an afterthought: Even if the 1914 date weren't dropped, a natural effect of stripping that date of any relevant, direct implications on what happens TODAY, the date loses its significance. It becomes just an odd footnote.
So I guess I'm starting to agree more with truthseeker that the onset of 2014 will be significant, whether 1914 is dropped or not!