I was just a kid when this all went down but old enough to remember it all rather clearly. At the time it didn't hit me why so many had left. Of course now it is pretty clear.
Anytime something looks disparaging toward the org a new spin is made. This was no different as described. The friends were called overzealous, presumptuous and so on.
Over the years I can't help but wonder if some of us might still be in had the GB owned up to its mistakes more. Saying they got it wrong would have actually strengthened the faith of many.
Instead they're hell bent on protecting their authority that's the only game here.
I kick myself every day now for once supporting all the harmful nonsense.