Regardless of scriptural implications, creating special categories of service such as colporteur, pioneer, special pioneer, etc. was a brilliant move.
The prestige, status and few little perks associated with those committing to being full-time workers is miniscule compensation for their sacrifice of time, lifestyle, income and educational opportunities.
Yes, the hour requirements have dropped on several occasions. How many on the board know that the Regular Pioneer requirement was once 150 hours a month, then 1200 hours a year, than 1000, now 90-vacation/assembly time?
Vacation Pioneers became Temporary, then auxiliary. Then the special status of a Regular Auxialiary. That would have been a classic oxymoron as a Regular Temporary.
In the early 70's there was talk of "Pioneering for a Day", bring your lunch and staying out in field service for an entire day. In some congregations there was the unauthorized "Mini-Pioneering" in the early 80's, committing for a week or two of activity.
Brothers and Sisters, if you will just try it for a year, you will be able to attend Pioneer School, receive a special "Kingdom Proclaimers" textbook for your eyes only.
Did you fall for any of this?
TMS