Thank you for that list - it covers many issues that irked my conscience and started the painful journey.
I really didn't handle my "awakening" well at all - I talked with too many, always asking "how would we explain this to someone who is NOT a JW" - a sympathetic ear initially, followed up by "I'll do some research" followed by no contact.
The above playing out of this situation became another issue - why the same, same answers, the same " I'll do some research" and nothing.
I've been careful over the years to avoid being "stumbled" by the actions and behaviours of other JWS. And we are not talking just personality foibles or weaknesses here - I'm talking about exposure to hardcore crime, hardcore hatefulness and an interesting leaning towards half truths, lies. And, whilst we had a horrible episode that directly affected us many years ago, the other issues I have seen involved others, including elders wives, elders and pioneers - I knew about these things because I was a comforter and "go to" for confiding.
If people on the outside knew the extent of madness that existed on the inside - they'd be shocked.
If they knew, that the nice, charming people at their door would go back to their car group and discuss the everything about their "householder" and their lives as an object of interest ( in a loving way of course) and that the nice family walking the street with their bibles were chuckling about which house they had dibs on after Armageddon and the occupants were dead....c'mon, it happens and we KNOW it.
I used to feel sick when I listened to some of the "publishers" - but would tuck away that feeling and remember they are imperfect.
Standing back, I cannot excuse such twisted "Christian" madness as to believe that the turning away of a magazine on smoking, waster shortages or whatever represented a choice to reject Christ.
Don't screw up - take your time and don't feel you have to go on a mini crusade ( I did!!!! - I achieved nothing)
Take care - and great thread!