I think they were just following instructions as mindless drones for the printing corporation.
I think this is a tactic that is Governing Body inspired. The GB don't want their people engaging in too much conversation with people who come to the carts unless the person shows some genuine interest in the publications and prospects of become a slave to the corporation. They are probably told just direct a person interest toward the web site to get information. This will keep their exposure to information the WT don't want JWs to hear down to a minimum.
The new corporation motto must be: let the publications and the WT website do the talking,, which in turn will make cart service easier and not expose the mindless drones to too much cognitive dissonance and possibly leave the grip of the organization or worse infect other mindless drones and a mass exodus occur in that area.