Wow, Freddi that's a weird situation, in fact it has shocked me...
When I was saying that our elders were a bit more laid back, I didn't mean that there were different standards. It strikes me as odd that there can be such a wide gap in standards between close congregations.
Here in Australia if you're DFed you ARE DF'ED! It doesn't matter how near to home it is. (At least that's my experience; in fact, it seems to be worse the further the word has spread!)
So, things seem quite different, once again.
Some have already mentioned the proximity to Bethel explanation. I was myself going to comment on this, if I didn't get much response. I think that having the BIG HQ in your country has to make everyone slightly more "hard-line" and I think it's probably more this, than culture, that explains any harder attitude in the USA.
Just a comment on the multi-cultural-ness that Path brought up. I don't think it's the diversity of a Cong. that determines its attitude. Australia has some of the most diverse congregations IN THE WORLD. In fact Melbourne & Sydney are 2 of the most multicultural cities in the world, and that's reflected in the Congs in those cities. I definately agree with you that the Body of Elders sets the tone for the Congregation. In fact I think it's the body of elders that determines the entire feel of the Cong.
taoInit
Just thinkin' out loud...