Elders are a source of encouragement, I really think not. The last I checked not commenting at the Watchtower study was not a crime. But the conductor made sure to come up to me after and interrogate me about "where was my hand" and then ask mom about my study habits.
A different elder gave the talk today. He was talking about all the blood and bodies that would be strewn about after Armageddon and how it "wouldn't be a pretty sight" but not to worry because if we trust in God we "may be concealed" in the day of his anger.