I found that most JWs are good people, with the exception that they will judge and shun you if you leave. Is that really worth keeping? One hand on your shoulder, and the other hand grasping the rug that they will pull out from under your feet?
I don't blame people for fading slowly, it's what I did (though I hardly had any contact with JWs during my fade). But I also commend anyone who rips off the bandaid and gets to see just who their friends really were (hint: it's probably not any JWs).