I have 2 anecdotal stories about Dan Sydlik that I heard through some Bethel Elders when I was at The Farm in the mid '70's. Apparently, he and a few other members wanted to break up the established 'power brokered' order of things. Most notably was the 'unholy trinity' of Nathan Knorr, Max Larsen and George Couch.
1. Once Dan Sydlik and some Bethelites were playing basketball during lunch. It was getting close to 1:00 pm and the afternoon work bell would soon ring. Max Larsen walked by the court and said: 'break it up boys, it's time to go back to work!' to which Dan Sydlik reportedly said: 'Let the boys have some fun and finish our game. It won't disrupt the whole factory if we're a few minutes late'. Max Larsen didn't like being put in his place.
2. George Couch was used to having his OWN way as Home Servant. As many of you will recall, he ruled with an 'iron fist' and in my opinion he was an arrogant asshole. He and I butted heads even before I became a Bethelite! At any rate, on his inspection trips to Watchtower Farms, he would stop by the slaughterhouse and LOAD UP on every conceivable cut of meat for Knorr, Larsen and himself. Any Bethelite can tell you that at that time you had to requisition meat and PAY for it out of your own pocket. Not the mighty 'unholy trinity'. No requisition was necessary and no limit on the amount and quality cut of the meats! Well Sydlik and the reformers put an end to Couch's shenanigans and now the 'unholy trinity' had to requisition their meat just like any other Bethelite.
Lots of power struggles with the 'expanded' Governing Body(tm) and I think that you will find that no moderates or real reformers will every be appointed to the Governing Body(tm) again. Only 'true believers' and 'company men' will RULE Jehovah's Witnesses from now on.
"EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!"
