A bloody good thread Magnum ,I became a "Witness" at 20 years of age in 1960 and can relate to what you say.
However even before that time I think of those who gave up their Life`s dreams and aspirations following C.T.Russell`s writings ,prophecy`s and predictions that never materialized .
A wasted generation who knows what they may have achieved had they not gave their lives to this cause.
Then of course was J.F.Rutherford who hoodwinked God knows how many more into beleiving that Millions Now Living Will/May never die . And of course we all now know they already have .
How many of them put their life on hold gave up their dreams and aspirations ,put off child birth ,career`s only to have none of the promises come to fruition
Which brings me to my time beginning with the "Witnesses" and publications that I thought had to be inspired by a God Jehovah who I had learnt for the first time was God`s name ( I had never thought of him as having a name ) Books that had an impression on me."Your Will Be Done On Earth" , "Equipped For Every Good Work "
" Let your Name Be sanctified "
"Things Which It Is Impossible To Lie " and " Babylon The Great Has Fallen Gods Kingdom Rules " Their was also a booklet that had a profound affect on me during that early period called "Basis For Belief In A New World "
At least these publications seemed reasonable at the time and backed by the scriptures and world events at the time
What do they have to base their faith on today ?
An overlapping generation ?