I thought about the change. Here's my take.
I think it's a move to protect Bethel and the Governing Body from criminal charges for pedophilia occuring within a congegation. Criminal law usually works on specific knowledge of a situation. Allowing it to happen, especially ongoing, would put those who knew either direclty criminally guilty (contributing to the delinquency of a minor) or indirectly criminally guilty (such as conspiracy, collusion, etc). I think the law is moving towards holding all who know of pedophile abuse to be criminally culpable. With this change, the CO could go to jail . . but not Bethel's volunteers or the Governing Body.
Why do I think Criminal Charges? A few months ago, this happened
Quote from article, "The District 18 District Attorney’s Office in the State of Oklahoma filed a motion on Jan. 28, 2014 in the case of accused molester Ronald Lawrence that alleges the top leadership of the Jehovah’s Witness Church knew about claims of child rape and molestation and deliberately concealed them.
“The actions of the church, their banishment of Lawrence on one or more occasion and the directives of the governing body toward the victims and their family members regarding these crimes were actions of concealment and further actions preventing the victims from reporting the crimes to law enforcement,” the motion states."
Now, the District Attorney doesn't sue for money. The DA does not represent the Candice Conti's of the world. The DA is there to put criminals in jail, and works on behalf of the governing. (Behold, it is the bringing down of false religion (lol)) This new arrangement for elder appointment had to be done by letter. In other words, it could not wait for the next Elder's Flock book or summer schools. It was urgent, on the part of Bethel. Bethel and the GB must have brown streaks in their boxers.
I don't think the appointment change is as much of a move to remove financial culpibility completely. Tort law (suing for money) usually holds the principals/employer 'on the hook' for the errors of its employees & agents such as the case of an elder who abuses, or a CO who negligently hires/promotes/keeps a known pedophile in a position of authority. However, many states require the jury to apportion the monetary award between the parties responsible. In other words, I can see the WTS using this new elder appointment power to their advantage ( and the CO's disadvantage) to lessen the money aspects. For the Overseer, he better be wary. These judgements can last decades against him, and in most states, the CO stands to lose everything he owns and will earn for many years to come. This includes his own house. The CO might be able to obtain bankruptcy, but then the bankrtupcy judge will make the CO pay as much as he can from his assets and then for, most likely, 5 years afterwards.
Not a good time to be an Overseer. I think Bethel is hoping the CO is a hard-working, doesn't ask questions, and will be proud of his new responsibility. I pity the Overseer. He's going forward in his new role with the confidence that only ignorance can bring.
