As I have related elsewhere, I encountered a "faded" JW I once had known while grocery shopping on Tuesday. He has no plans to return and says now he wishes he had never got involved in the religion. His entire family left with him, so he thankfully does not have to deal with the shunning issue. The elders called on him only once and have not been back. He stopped attending meetings four years ago. We exchanged contact information and I hope we will remain in touch. Yes, there are many who have cut their ties with the religion and are all the happier for it.
Quendi