I don't think the JW's are going anywhere anytime soon but it is clear they might be in financial trouble somewhere down the road.
There are new suckers born every day, esp in the 3rd world where they have limited access to information and where they are downtrodden and thus more gullible for those that promise them the Panda Paradise where things will be better.
Yes there is likely to be some serious financial difficulty in the near future, esp if the Conti case is upheld in appeals. This will open a floodgate of similar cases. But, be assurred that WTS is already planning strategy to limit their financial liability. For example, while the US gives them what is perhaps the most favorable status as a Religion with all of its exemptions to taxes, gov't meddling, etc, the US is not the most favorable place for litigation. It is the worst. Most of the WTS funds could easily be moved elsewhere -- Caymans, Turks, etc., or scattered around the world, though not likely anywhere like the UK where open accountability is demanded. Regardless, they will just call upon the R&F to cough up more money if need be there. The Conti case award is a mere $2 or $3 contribution for each JW around the world. Perhaps $5 or $10 for each JW in the Western World who could easily kick in a few extra bucks. They will just ramp up the fees for use of Assembly Halls; schedule a few more Special Events; liquidate their multi-million dollar real estate portfolio; cut costs by further downsizing. It's what most business have had to do in this recession already. They can do it too. Will it hurt? Will there be damage? Yes. But they will survive, just as most other business are surviving the current crisis.
Doc