Blondie, that just goes to show you how stupid they are! Some people are foaming at the mouth when it comes to giving counsel or reproof, but not when it comes to commendation or encouragement.
Minimus, you are right about letting JWs know they do not have to meet with the elders. We give them way too much credit. They're only men, no more infallible than anyone else. But I had to experience my committee meeting to realize that I owe them nothing. I'm still fragile, scared of them at times, but I'm getting stronger every day.