Well according to the so-called "OD" book that replaced the OM it states on page 29, par. 1 "only if they qualify can it be said that they are appointed by holy spirit.." So I think the WTS is washing its hands so to speak of the elder arrangement in case of any legal reprecusions.
To answer your question though its been my experience being an elder the past almost 10 yrs that holy spirit in the WT sense has nothing to do with it. To be honest, many bodies of elders are genuine and try to determine if someone qualifies or not but realistically much of their decisions are based on what that particular person shows outwardly to them, not who they really are as people. Its almost assumed that if the brother is a pioneer and older than 25 he is automatically considered and reccomended, particularly if he is a minsterial training school grad. Does this mean he is qualified to help people...no it doesnt. Brothers may also qualify if they are "nice" to the more prominent elders in the cong and the CO. Is this person qualified to encourage and help others..no. I think you get the idea.