sleepy,
No, it wouldn't have made any difference to me, I've never read his books. The deceptions embedded within the Watchtower's own writings were enough for me.
I do understand that Ray is something of a hero for some people and that they would like this very old man further fulfill this perceived role for them. But, having seen many posts in the past from people who know him personally, I got the impression that he has never had a desire to be on any sort of pedastal, and that now he would prefer to quietly withdraw into apostate "retirement". Since I certainly don't know Ray, I apologize in advance if I have this wrong.
Eric