Enlightened, appreciate your comments.
It's funny, I went to this gathering on Sunday, and for the most part, people were very happy to see me. I am probably pushing my luck, as one of the elders, actually a very good guy, said, "we need to talk soon". He alluded knowingly to some changes the CO had just made, as if, "your right to have been discouraged, but it will be better now". Of course, the CO just "had" to make the changes cuz the hours were so low.
In a wierd way, the fact that the congregation at large realizes that our congo has been in a major slump, and is just basically a downer, may have made it much easier for me to fade away. Of course, my happy demeanor at witness parties is pushing my luck. But what can I say? Freedom puts a smile on your face!