GrreatTeacher, I agree that there is probably nothing coming from HQ to encourage the lessening of shunning; the ranting CO pretty well confirms that. Any change in position would be well documented, accompanied by the obligatory "We've always done it this way" article. You would think that they would consider nerfing the shunning a bit, considering the Norwegian situation and the fact that the Japanese Diet seems to be taking an interest, but WT's default reaction is to double down. The trouble with telling yourself and everyone around you that you are always right is that everyone starts believing it. In life, even the things that you could originally claim to be right about can change, so that you become wrong. If you believe that you are always right, you won't make the necessary changes. Hence the CO tantrum.
The slaves are just tired.The Covid crisis gave them a chance to rest, and they seem to have liked the idea. The CO was using the stick; the WT needs more carrots 🥕. Covid killed the few carrots they had: the JW social life. Resting from the daily grind of Watchtowerism seems to be a very tasty carrot.