Once, just once in what's left of my life, I would like to see the Governing Body humbly and honestly admit that they were wrong and that something needs to be fixed. Also, I'd like to see them acknowledge harm that was caused and apologize for it: try to make it right.
There is precedent for this. If you look at Nehemiah 9:33-38, the nation's leaders acknowledged serious wrongdoing and acted to correct it.
For instance, instead of saying that "it was always our policy to report child abuse" etc, etc. Why not just say that the policy for many years was to require two eyewitnesses to the same abuse event leaving many child abusers unsanctioned? Why not just say that the practice for many years was to fight reporting anything to the authorities? Why not apologize to all those harmed and humbly beg them for forgiveness and explain the measures now in place to prevent this kind of madness from happening again?
I know the answers. The attorneys prevent it for liability reasons. And (in my opinion) I think the Governing Body is afraid that if they admit they were wrong that somehow they will lose the respect of the rank and file. I've found just the opposite to be the case. When in leadership and I make a huge mistake, if I admit it in front of everyone and do all I can to make it right, it has the effect of strengthening respect people have for me.
CC