I do agree that there are elders that are definitely in it for the power and control and I have seen my fair share of incidences that were looked over or swept under the carpet through the years - especially as an elders kid. However, I have seen the contrary. In a neighboring town, a whole congregation body was removed sans one by the CO because they were dealing harshly and emotionally with the cong. These were the elders we saw on the assembly programs always and finally a no BS CO came through and said no more. They brought in other elders from the surrounding area. I have also seen removals as well of individual elders. So, I think it just depends on the area ("we" have major growth right now) and the men coming through.