The WTS is losing and they know it. That is why the lines in the sand are being drawn. They need to see how many "true" soldiers they have on their side.
Think about it - How many witnesses WILL sign simply due to group conformity pressure? The pressure of losing thier friends and family is too great if they are not already prepared for it. Peer pressure worked on 90% of us in our teenage years, didn't it? Now that we're grown and have ties to even more friends and family, we have much more to lose. How did you feel about having your blood card signed at the book study? Did you tell your conductor that you would do it on your own? Or did you participate with the group as was expected of you to do? Face it, many witnesses want to be accepted by other witnesses and they will do whatever is necessary to gain that favor.