A few months ago, I overheard that the WTS wanted JWs to work the same neighborhood, over & over & over. The goal was to build a personal relationship instead of cold calling. In it, it suggested to work it independently (or alone) if needed. I started the thread, and others confirmed that this was talked about in a zone meeting. I had not heard of JWs going out in service alone!
The current thread is suggesting to go out in pairs, if the neighborhood is unsafe. The hidden message is, "If the neighborhood is safe, go alone."
Why encourage people to go out in service alone? Numbers. Numbers of publishers and pioneers are falling. How do you work the same area with fewer people? Split up. Go it alone. . . . where it is safe. But, who wants to go out in service alone? It's bad enough going with a buddy!
Skeeter