Do you think any higher ups know that much of the doctrine they teach is bunk? Thinking back to the time of Raymond Franz, how he pointed out specifically numerous teachings that the churches really did have right all along, and really ANY of the hidden mic apostacy trials you listen to on YouTube, you see that even when inconvenient Bible teachings are proven, the Elders just try to sweep it under the rug and move on. I think I remember Franz saying how one of the GB approached him somewhat sympathetically, but there was nothing he could do.
Whether you believe in the Bible or not, there are some basic beliefs common among most denominations because they're just so plainly stated, such things as heavenly life for all Christians, no central authority structure, minimal use of God's name, etc. With all the research these guys have done books they've read for selective quote mining and apostacy cases they've heard, you can't help but wonder how they can just make themselves forget, and if maybe some harbour private beliefs but 'wait on Jehovah'.
For instance at the annual meeting Sam Herd was speaking of his father who never became a Witness, and speaking of his age said:
and today if he were . . . uh . . . if he would be here, he would be [so many years] old
To me it sounds like he almost said "if he were alive" but then corrected himself to say awkwardly "if he would be here", as if maybe he hopes he's in heaven watching over him right now, as many like to think. I know I could easily be reading too much into it but I was just thinking.