When the Elders finally came by for a 'visit' after four yrs of not attending the meetings I asked several questions . One question was about the change in what parts of blood were now acceptable ...the Elder laughed it off and said he would bring me more information because the Watchtower clearly explained everything . After several other questions ,well rather statements ,he just told me it was easy if I no longer wanted to be a JW all I had to do was write a letter stating that .
They were not interested in answering questions they were interested in getting me back in line ,period . Elders have their own agenda when they visit you ,and it does not include understanding your questions or problems .
If your friend wants to ask questions of the Elders and not set off alarms they may frame it as 'questions a worldly friend has brought to their attention and they need help answering them' .
However it will still put this person on the Elders radar . They will do anything now to snatch this person from the fire so to speak . Warning what kind of associates are they keeping, and the like . Your friend will have to present the questions carefully ,remaining humble and meek ,willing to take the Elders advice .