JWTOM:
The average rank & file JW probably knows nothing about this and just continue along in their ever-changing religion which appears to be only concerned about its own preservation. Meanwhile, deluded people there would believe holy spirit is directing everything!
You are probably right that most local elders don’t have the courage to embrace stepping down. Some like feeling important. But, if something happens somewhere they might rethink their attitude towards the whole thing.
I think the average JWs in congregations are just going along. They might sense something is wrong and secretly are not happy about what has happened to the religion. I also think that some older JWs (impatient for the ‘new system’) have gone to more attractive localities on the globe to retire or serve ‘where the need is great’ 🙄so that they are at least in as paradise-looking surroundings (according to drawings in old literature) while they are still living..If paradise doesn’t come soon enough..you have to look for your own, I guess.