We also had a bunch of useless drivel spouted in our hall.
The GB is desperately trying to get the number down. According to Watchtower prophecy, it's supposed to be dropping. SO, "do what it takes to make it drop" must have been the theme of one of recent GB meetings.
Take a look at the number of publishers. They want to get this to rise at any cost. So, they make a new rule that "elderly publishers" can count even 15 minutes and so remain an "active publisher".
Now that's desperate. The "death throes of an old dragon".