Something about this thread nagged at me all day, and I finally figured it out. Not all of us go through all the stages of our lives at the same speed. Some may leave the Witnesses and immediately free themselves of all religion. Others may take longer, perhaps exploring other churches or religions before leaving it all behind. Some may never get there.
Fifteen years ago, I was still exploring other religions, trying to find one that fit me. For many years I attended an independent church and liked it. It was certainly more free and open than JW's. But things changed and I grew tired of it. Now I don't attend any church and don't feel a need to. I have my own spiritual beliefs, but feel no need to tell anybody else about them.
At the end of the day I don't like putting people in boxes. We're all individuals with all sorts of things going on to make us unique.