When I first read the initial post, I immediately started doing the math.
But - back when I was still in, at the height of my indoctrination, and those type letters were read, I never did that. Fifteen cents a month. I can afford that, heck, I can afford a dollar in case some poorer brother or sister can't. It seemed so small, but pennies add up, and if they needed a few bucks to help missionaries or special pioneers, surely we could all help out.
Now though, knowing that they're getting hit for a huge payout on a lawsuit, with more to come I'm sure, they need money. And a story that they need it so missionaries can get home for the conventions. Bullshit. 1. That should be part of normal operating expenses. They do it at every international convention. 2. Several million dollars to just fly people around? And that's all it will be. They'll expect families and local congregations to pick up the rest - housing, food, local travel. 3. and most important. The WTS doesn't give a rat's ass about individuals, be they missionaries, or plain old publishers. Everything they do - EVERYTHING - is about the organization and it's survival, not the followers. The expense of covering missionary travel expenses is a ruse. They need a quick infusion of cash, and this is how to further fleece the flock, and let them feel good about it as well.