Minimus,
You said: "They start becoming more self-centered, more materialistic. And slowly but surely, they leave. Do you agree?"
No. I don't agree.
I think for the most part, people leave the WTS because they refuse to live a lie anymore.
The reason for being a JW is because they feel that the WTS has the 'truth'.
If that IS the reason for being a JW, and you find out that the WTS really doesn't have the 'truth', what should be done?
Should you continue being a JW and pretend not to know that the WTS is wrong?
Should you continue going door to door teaching the same lies that you were taught?
Should you continue worshipping the Governing Body of the WTS?
No. Most people that left the WTS that I know did so because they could not live a lie.
Being self-centered & materialistic have nothing to do with it.
It's more like being honest with yourself and refusing to worship a man made orginization.
Knowing that in the long run,by worshipping a man made orginization actually puts a person at odds with God.
But I'm curious minimus.
Why are you asking this?
neyank