Greetings, anointed1:
Apart from these well-presented facts (that appeal to the mind), my early years in the faith saw me emotionally involved with many of the so-called anointed remnant. My initial study of the Scriptures and consequent association with the "elect" convinced me that, truly, I was privileged to work in company with Christ's brothers.
Those humble individuals whom I knew were not unbalanced, not crazed. They took a sincere and loving interest in me, both with regard to material and spiritual needs. As they died off, one by one, attaining their reward (as I believed), I felt it my responsibility to carry on their work and tell new JWs about the anointed. I believed in the classes -- Naomi and Ruth, etc. -- and all the OT allusions to the anointed, as once taught by the Society.
While I still maintain fond sentiments towards my departed older friends, I have been disabused of whatever special standing they might have had in God's arrangement. If they truly are in heaven, well, that's wonderful . . .
But as one-time Jehovah's Witnesses and part of the 144,000?