IW,
They have abandoned very few real 'core' beliefs. Kicking and screaming they admit to shades of error regarding 1914, 1975, and other tenants like 'abstenance from blood', yet either thru manipulation of scripture, or simple backpedaling via the convenient 'new light', they stick to thier guns.
Why? Because if they renege on the practice of shunning, just how will they 'keep the congregation clean'? What discipline could they administer for those who verbalise and promote an alternative view of doctrine, let alone violate god's laws or perform any number of 'pornia' or deviations, they so much like to rant about. Shunning is the basis, the foundation, of being and continuing to be a jw. Remember shunning is all encompasing it also is the basis for thier wierd idea about 'marking' individuals and whole families within the congregations.
IW you can't surgically remove shunning or any select egregious practice, and end up with a reciepe for continued fanatical preach at all costs.....jw's are know for.
Take away those critical tools, the machine will fizzel to a halt. Nothing left to keep the troops in line.
Danny