I watched the ARC and read its transcripts.
I believe that GJ's father was very ill (not so ill that GJ couldn't attend the hearing for a day) I understand he died on September 30th about six/eight weeks later.
I didn't get the luxury of having all my expenses paid so I could stay at the bedside when my mother was diagnosed terminally ill; I still went to work, meetings, busy elder, ministry and cared for my (then) young family. I continued with responsibilities of life.
The ARC was initially very compassionate - they believed the Watchtower lie that GJ was not needed and they gave him a free pass.
But then they saw how Toole and O'Brien tried to cover up for the GB and stop GJ appearing.
This was tacitly confirmed by the obsequious Tockley the lawyer's fawning and hand-wringing in a last attempt to stop GJ appearing. "He can't Your Honour ... "
McClellan kindly, caringly but firmly said HE WILL.
Let's imagine it was true that GJ just had to hold his parents hands in their time of need. Why couldn't one of that oh so God-like band of brothers - the Guardians of Doctrine - say "You know what Geoff? I'll come over and take one for the team! Jehovah's Holy Spirit will look after me. It's not like I'm going to be tortured and crucified by the Romans is it?"
G.B. = COWARDS!
Branch Committees/lawyers = Scared of being out on their ears.