There has been many changes in the past decade, but there is a difference between the stated reason and what we perceive as the real reason.
Those who have access to the letters can fill in some of the stated reasons or benefits. It is like they are afraid of telling the truth. Stating that they are making business decisions for monetary reasons. Like they are afraid that people will think that they lost Jehovah's blessing, if they are in want of all of the gold in the world.
1990: Voluntary donation arrangement for literature
Official reason was simplification and not peddlers of the word of God
Real reason: so as not to have to collect or pay sales tax on literature.
1994 Food being provided at assemblies ended
Obviously to save money because people were abusing the provision and not donation enough
2002 Subscription ended
Don't know if a reason was given, but it would seem to save on postage, and to limit the literature at the time, however that is no longer the case as it is available on the net.
2005: first reduction in magazine production; monthy Awake & monthy in-house WT
stated reasons: less definitions of words, better for translations
real reasons: to cut back on magazine production. Fewer Study copies need to be printed
2006: Bethel layoffs begin
Stated reason: to put more people in the preaching work.
Real reason: Bethelites are expensive and there is cutting back
2007: change to 30 minute Public Talk
Possible reasons: more congregations can share halls, lower utilities.
Additional real reasons: They are boring and a waste of time.
2009: Elimination of Book Study as separate meeting
Stated reasons or benefits: a night for family worship
Real Reasons: More congregations can use the Hall as there will be one less night used for the book study, less obligation for publishers to travel to meetings, less material covered in the book study so fewer books need to be made to cover it, and reuse more books, less use and abuse of homes.
2010: WTS begins closing/merging Branch facilities and selling branch properties
No reason stated but possibly to get cash and cut expenses.
2011: Drop to 30 hours in required auxiliary hours
Stated reason: more can have meeting with CO
Reason: To get more 10,20,30 hour publishers to give more time and think they are doing something great
2011: Gilead stops accepting missionaries
Don't know of a reason, but there is this new or renamed school for Kingdom evangelizers.
2013: reduction in size of magazines/ Putting more on internet
stated reasons: more people are using the internet and translate to more languages.
Real Reasons: internet is free, save money but cutting costs