I am a lifer, 56 years of borgdom. I have been in over 25 congregation, and seen or heard just everything borg related. I was invited to bethel when I was 17, but had some health issues come up. Servent 20+ years.
I have been in congregation that were very small, and when the wt came along, all parties stopped! The main parties this was aimed at, were where a congregation had a party, and larger numbers from nearby congregation showed up, with nobody, knowing for sure who was there or even if they were jw's or not, or as in some cases, even df'ed ones showed up! One congregation I was in a short time after that, had 40 publishers, and parties over book study size were a no no! And I have been in larger ones, that as long as everyone was know to be in good standing, it was ok. They still frowned on 100+ parties, but not at weddings and the like!
Remember back in the early 80's, when at the dc the comment was made, "Brothers keep your hands off the Sisters" thry meant in inappropriate ways, not a friendly hug or things like that. Till this day you will find congregation, were no one hugs anyone!
If a boe can SCREW UP simple directions, just imagine what they do with others!
Dwain