If they say that 144000 is symbolic and that everyone is under the covenent - then that coupled with the idea that the annointed and FDS are not the same, does that mean:
1) "anointed" will not refer to those with a heavenly hope
2) the FDS could be comprised entirely of those without the heavenly hope who could still be termed "anointed" as in "chosen"
I can't see them getting around the 144000 being symbolic when the numbers are going up and up. And, they are going to have to give up 1914. In another 5 years, no one will even attend meetings if they keep it. It will be too hard to spin. This year has been something spectacular with 100 years, blah blah blah, easy peasy spin. But every year going forward, it will be harder.
It would be nice if they just focused on being good people and not being so judgmental about how much everyone "does" - and how about encouraging people to participate in their community a bit? Nothing sets an example of what kind of person Christ was (if you believe in him) as someone doing something to help others, i.e Mother Theresa, Desmond Tutu, etc. It doesn't have to be on that grand a scale, but if the JWs wanted to - they could do something along those lines. They have the resources, they know how to organize, and they have the willing followers.
Such a waste of time, talent and resources.