But generally, I think the JW attitude to “unproductive” studies is pretty counterproductive.
I concur with SBF on this one. Considering how terribly ineffective the other forms of ministry are, both door to door and the cartwork, the time spent on studies with friendly-but-not-becoming-JWs-anytime-soon people is probably still more effective than the other forms of ministry. It does have some positive benefits. One big one is that it builds good will with the public; shows that JWs can be good friendly people and provides a much needed social interaction with the student. It is evident from FW's comments that this 'unproductive' study had positive benefits to both the JW and to FW, and that the WT directive to cease such a study was unkind and counterproductive.