When I talk to people who are physically and mentally still in I can tell that they so need it to be true.
They truly NEED it to be true because they have so much invested. In fact, many dare not accept the fact that WT prophecies are wrong because it would prove them so ignorant and gullible. (Don't I know it!)
They ONLY travel, party, and closely associate with people who keep their MOUTHS SHUT about "questionable conduct" within the group.
I think we were in this kind of group. I know most of our peers ignored the ban on oral sex and frequently enjoyed a few extra drinks.
openly say I have doubts if the governing body are who they claim to be but I don’t know for sure
Just ask a JW if they think it's possible that Jehover would allow an apostate to creep into the GB and deceive the faithful. While they hesitate to reply (and they will hesitate because they are fearful of what they are saying), simply add that "He already has! Remember Ray Franz?" "Think of all the doctrines that had to be "corrected" when he was discovered to be apostate!"