I'm not an ex elder but I am studying law and I would say if I had a client who was an ex elder I would argue that he should be seen in a similar light to that of an ex addict and or someone who had suffered from a mental health issue. In other words the brainwashing and fear tactics the cult employs cripple one's normal faculties to such an extent that a person does not act as their normal, rational self would. In fact I would say that a serving elder may be seen to be as responsible for their actions as a hostage would. In other words no reasonable person would perceive them as a free agent.
If you think about what the average JW may face loosing should they incur the wtbts displeasure you will begin to understand why the Australian elders were 'throwing themselves under the bus' so to speak. They have a metaphorical gun pointed at their heads', even should they have every sympathy with the aims of the R.C.