As a former elder of almost 20 years and later being put on trial for disagreeing with the WT, I strongly believe this was real and not staged. My meeting with the committee (which included a brother from Bethel who was sent in to replace one of the local elders) went almost like that. I had earlier written a letter to the Society asking about the Mexico - Malawi double standard. The reply I got at one of my hearings was "Why should the Society have to answer your question. You're not the faithful and discreet slave". So that is typically the approach they take because they know they cannot answer your questions. For any doubters about the genuiness of this recording I suggest you listen to the recording of a committee hearing with Rick and Laverne Townsend. You can download it at freeminds.org.
Joe