Wonder what the elders and congregation think about that? Are there any liberal JW's/congregations? Just curious?
Undoubtedly there are some bodies of elders that appear to be "liberal". The dynamics of a body of elders mean that it may well depend on the attitude of one individual elder who is prominent by virtue of his age/experience/status bringing influence (talking above) the other elders on the body.
It could also be that your friend is more of a fellow traveller than a zealous Witness. There are many Dubs who are referred to as "weak" and once this label is attached, the body of elders may well dismiss some of their activities as being immature actions. Having "bad associations" is certainly in that category.
Cheers, Ozzie