A person who honestly hesitates to respond with a robust "Yes!" now can say something completely deflating and with the authority of a sitting Governing Body member.
According to your article, the man was not asked if he was "the faithful and discreet slave." He was asked: "...do you see yourselves as Jehovah God's spokespeople." He responded (clarifying that the FDS are not God's only spokespeople) that others too in the congregation could act and speak with God's Holy Spirit. He meant that God uses other JW (exclusively) besides the GB.
Regarding his comments about his role as the FDS, keep in mind what Jesus stated: "Who is the faithful and discreet slave...?" GJ did not deny that the GB is trying to fulfill that role. How clearer yes do you want it?
The question you posed brings to mind when Billy Graham pat himself on the back, and commended himself on TV, saying to himself out-loud: "Well done Faithful Steward!"
Will the JW FDS , individually or collectively, prove to be the "faithful and discreet slave" that Jesus was referring to in the related scriptures? That is for Jesus to decide.
I do not see GJ shrinking back in his response to the question that he was asked.
