Those who were there in the mid 70's remember this story well.
Under the 4 year committment few were making it, and so Bethel changed it to 1 year.
Just before the change, rumors started to fly about lowering the requirement. Even Bethel Elders were sharing stuff. The rumor worked its way back to 'El Presidente' Knorr, who decided the Family needed one of his 'quit your complaining keep your committment talks'.
He also claimed since HE was on the GB and had not discussed the possible change, it was absolutely, positively, not true, and wasn't going to happen. "Over my dead body!"
People felt deflated and were discouraged.
A few days later, the GB read the announcement, "Its now a 1 year commitment". Knorr who had until recently controlled Bethel was not on the Personal Committee, and had no idea of the upcoming change. Although they had polled Bethel Elders about the need for change, for some reason, they didn't ask Knorr for his opinion.
It was definately a coming down for the exalted one. But it also showed, there were issues between the GB.
Reminded me of the new Elder arrangement and the loss of control of the old congregation servant. Minor and major rebellions sprung up all over the world. Lead to several wars in our congregation over many years.
And all they were doing, was just imitating the GB.