Most believe in what they are doing and want to feel like they are accomplishing something.
I've seen much different. I've listened to many JWs, incl. elders, piss and moan about how much they "hate" going out in field service, but they do it anyway because they have to. Then when they do go out it's superficial at best. It had nothing to do with actually accomplishing something and everything to do about making a good show.
It has been mentioned how ineffective and inefficient the door to door work is , but there is criticism when the org. Tries new methods.
So replacing one ineffective method with an equally ineffective method is an improvement?
I dont think the rank and file publishers need to be viewed with contempt or ridicule.
WT is being ridiculed, not individual JWs. JWs don't decide how or what official methods they are to use in the ministry, WT does. The new text method was published in the KM...it wasn't an idea thrown out there by JWs and adopted as a great idea.
As some active JWs here have already indicated, they like this text witnessing because it's just an easier way to "get time in". They haven't applauded it because it's actually effective. WT's "new" methods are appealing to superficial JWs because it trains JWs to be superficial. Busy, go nowhere activity has become the standard for JWs. If given the choice, I firmly believe a large percentage (80%) would simply quit going out in servive cold turkey if WT made it optional.