I was MS back in 1995 when the 'light' came out. I recall at CO's visit(it happened to be few days after the 'light') we had a special meeting for the 'new light'. He told us that we have to persuade our families as leaders of the congregation to understand the new generation explanation. The nucleus of the congregation is the family, so if all family members understand the new light then the entire congregation will know...
For me it was the end of my life in the WT. After this 'change' of understanding in just 4 years I left WT. I don't know what was the reaction of the rank and file today, but as I see from active JW's that post in various forums, there is no reaction at all, just like it was 15 years ago.
I have said few years back(yes I'm of the older members of this forum -Justhuman)that the WT it is a club. In order to be a member of the club and accepted by the other members, you have to follow blindly what comes out from the headquarters. Even if the GB changes every week their understanding in doctrinal matters, still the rank and file will accept it without any questioning. In just 15 years the doctrine of the famous generation changed 4 times!!! In my time I recall that the generation doctrine was SOLID. The generation that it will not pass and would see Armaggedon. Those who were born in 1914 they will be the living evidence of God's promise of a New World. I spend the best years of my life preaching that the generation will not pass way, became pioneer spending 90 hours a month to save the World. What I knew back then it all gone down the drain. And dogmatically speaking WT has nothing in common with the one I grew back in the mid 80's. Whats left it is just promises by the WT leadership that never came true...
George Orwell said: Everything fadded to the mist. The past was erased the erasure was forgotten, the LIE BECAME TRUTH...