Randy: I'm a long-time former elder who used to be in close contact with dubs who were heavily involved in this matter, including HLC members, "bloodless surgery" directors and others with a "no blood" non-profit organization that shilled for the WTS.
I can attest that, on the front lines, the ones with half a brain do know their policy is flawed and and thrilled by the rapid change in dub doctrine on blood. Years ago, they used to pray daily that either the end would come or some bio firm would pass all the FDA trial stages with a blood substitute and make this all moot. These days they have a new hope, that soon the WTS will settle the blood issue for good by making transfusions a conscience matter. They're almost to that point now (one could almost argue they've arrived).
This "whistling past the graveyard" mindset is coupled with their general disdain for the rank and file - because so few of them actually "get" what the Society says each time it offers up an adjustment. When you are the JW go-to guy at the hospital and 98% of the dubs who present do not have a DPA, or even a current blood card, it's disheartening. All the typical dub wants to ask you is; What can I take (i.e., what does the WTS say I can take)? When the options are spelled out, the vast majority are "all in" with respect to the WTS' guidelines. So, in effect, it is a conscience matter already - but it's the program coordinator's or in some cases the HLC member's conscience, not the patient's.
Just my two. Keep up the good work!
