It is the simple fact of cult mind control - they have "the flock" conditioned to accept whatever they present as "new light" that is in their best interests -  "the flock" doesn't even stop to consider that,,,, the yearbooks are full of examples of people NEVER missing meetings regardless if they had to walk 40 miles each way barefoot and fording rivers and wrestling alligators and at great expense to themselves - they went to meeting - nor do they see the legal aspect of it that this change will reduce the liability to the borg, because of all the abuse settlements of late - they merely line up and drink the kool aid - nothing more than what I expected!

They'll clap no matter what news comes from the top.  Trained monkeys.  The GB could write a letter saying "We must no longer wear wedding rings because we see in Genesis 41:42 where Pharoah took his off and put it on Joseph's hand. The ring was used as a symbol of power and authority, but notice it is upon the hand of an idolatrous pagan ruler.  So, let us remove this pagan jewelery.  Sell it and contribute the money to our worldwide ministry work!" 

(appluase)

Of coarse they clapped, this is direction from Jehovah!  You must show your appreciation for your loving heavenly father. 

Funny how after all this time the requirements for gathering together are lessening.  Hmm, new light.

MMO

They would clap if the Governing Body decided through God's wisdom that the Easter Bunny was a divine spirt of Jesus and Santa Claus was the embodiment of Jehovah.

It's like going to a Baptist church and hearing the pastor call them dummies, ignorant and full of the spirit of Satan and they say "hallejuah" and start speaking in tonuges...  

The JWs clapped because the JWs are conditioned to clap at every announcement, whether they agree with it or not.

W