I think there are other threads on changed WT doctrines that indicate a 'subtle shift' method is used. Sometimes it starts simply by not mentioning the old, to-be-replaced doctrine, so that it sort of recedes out of the memory a bit. Then after a few years of quiet regarding that doctrine, the new idea is slowly fed in.
I noticed this method with the JW.Org TV thing. Originally the whole internet was spoken against. Slowly the JW.TV idea was brought in as a great idea. Now I hear speakers taking the tone that you are not keeping up if JW.TV is not a part of your life.
Their methods say a lot about how the GB view the R&F.