had a lot more latitude to speek freely then than now
No. Unity of belief was the rule then as it is now.
"The true religion is not as Israel once was: “You must not do the same as all that we are doing here today, each one whatever is right in his own eyes.” Soldiers of Christ have a message of clarity and conviction, not one of vagueness and confusion: “If the bugle sounds an indistinct call, who will get ready for battle?”", WT 15 Feb 1955
The was no latitude in our house, that's for sure.
Cheers
Chris