Why would they offer up Patterson? That to me would give some clues as to motives. My guess would be they never intend to lose it. Why? Because they most likely have more than enough cash to pay the settlement if they lose. So Patterson is simply a way to avoid the $86K cost of the bond.
Why Patterson? Maybe because it is the nicest. If you want somebody to go for a deal, do you offer a warehouse in the city or a modern office building in the country? You want them to accept the property as collateral so you offer the best.
As for Cedars, I know I'm gonna get blasted by others like King Solomon did. Cedars reminds me of the fresh young guy all full of vigor. Maybe you've seen this as JWs? Or maybe the fresh face at work. All gung-ho for the cause, expecting the end is going to come no longer than a month from now or at work that they're going to revolutionize the company with their ideas. From what I've read of him, Cedars is excited and preaching the end of the WBTS and wants to be the first kid on the block to announce it.
Like the WBTS used to jump on every earthquake or disaster as a sign of the end, so Cedars jumps on any news that he interprets (by his own admission, his own opinions) as bad and is ready to proclaim a massive blow and how close the WBTS is to the edge.
And like in JW-land (or ex-JW land), there are many of us who have been here for a while and take a "slow down young un" attitude. Admiring the enthusiasm, but having lived through this time and time again. Thinking, "I hope he's right, would be nice, but..."
And he does seem mostly sincere in trying to fix changes others have pointed out, but on the other hand seems to have an ego and won't back down fully from mistaken premises. Notice how he is showing alternate points of view as if to be fair, but his initial premise is still there. He won't remove the article. I've seen this before. He may tweak the details, but no matter which ones change, he's still right.
Cedars seems to want to make a name for himself in aposta-land. His survey, his articles, etc. Posting here about what he's done that's new. His constant monitoring here for feedback, thriving on encouragement and kind words. Look at this, over 4500 posts in 14 months of membership.
This isn't the first article he's posted of impending WBTS doom. It seems to be an obsession of his. And some of his articles seem alarmist. Then the real facts come out. Wasn't it Cedars who first alerted us that the WBTS had a lein on their Brooklyn property until the Conti appeal was decided? When it came down to it, it was that they couldn't sell until a bond was posted. Not exactly the same details.
I mean, I'm sure he's sincere and trying, and putting in a lot of research. But to me it comes off as sensationalist. And that's one thing to post here where a discussion can ensue and other insights can be offered. And it's quite different to just throw it out there to the masses on your website. Look at the headline: "Patterson on the line". Just because it's being used as collateral doesn't mean there's a chance of losing it. That's a false premise. Or "Watchtower claims that paying bond premium would lead to immediate irreparable harm and hardship". While others have pointed out this is standard terminology. And it would cost irreparable harm in the form of $86K that can't be regained.
Maybe next time instead of writing an article on his own website, he can post a few facts here first and get feedback before making some grand article he can't easily back away from.
I do not think Cedars is working for the JWs. I think he's sincere, just very gung-ho and maybe in search of reassurance and praise and a name for himself.