In 2005 the sum of Memorial partakers world wide numbered 8,524. The following year, in 2006, they tallied an increase to 8,758 partakers. In 2007 the number went up again to 9,105. In 2008 the number rose to 9,986. In 2010, the number of partakers grew to 11,202. And recently, it was published that the number in 2011 rose again to the tune of 11,824 partakers ( Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2006, p.31; 2007 p.31; 2008, p. 31; 2009, p.31; Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2011, p.51; Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2012, p.55 respectively ), This is an increase of exactly 3,300 partakers over seven years! ( and, haven't some of the elderly ones passed away during this time? ). AND...in spite of the Watchtower Society publishing these ever-increasing numbers, they have declared that the number has been decreasing over the years! ( The Watchtower, February 15, 2009, pp. 27-28, para.14 )
In order to explain this problem, the Watchtower Society recently stated "A number of factors — including past religious beliefs or even mental or emotional imbalance — might cause some to assume mistakenly that they have the Heavenly calling. We thus have no way of knowing the exact number of anointed ones on Earth; nor do we need to know " ( The Watchtower, August 15, 2011, p.22 ).
In essence, they are saying the numbers are climbing only because some of the partakers are apparently mentally ill or clinging to past religious beliefs. However, since they cannot determine who are the mistaken ones and who are not, they count them all anyway, even though it is obviously not an accurate number.