Some are left in the category "a conscience matter", but even so, if you do one of these taboos then you are looked upon as "not that spiritually strong". Socially speaking, following your own conscience instead of the advice of the organization, it could lead to not being invited to get-togethers, gradual distancing from friends, gossip, etc,.
Also, there are many unsaid "rules" too. Don't say "god bless you" when you sneeze, don't buy a small car because a van can hold more people for door to door work, etc,.
For all the rules you listed there are reasons why they follow them, mostly because they somehow find a scripture, or their translation of it, to justify the rule.
A big one with JW's is that they will not take a blood transfusion. A court usually has to step in for children of JW's, otherwise the parents would refuse the transfusion for their child. This is because the bible says not to eat blood. The oxymoron is that they think nothing of ordering a steak rare, but will let their children die to be able to refuse blood.
Another oxymoron- in one breath they denounce child abuse, but in another breath they encourage strong discipline of their children, all while quoting the scripture, "Spare the rod, spoil the child". I was told by elders to be more obedient after I showed them my many bruises. My sister was raped by two elders boys, the elders told her not to wear revealing clothing, she was only 14. A 40- year old elder had an affair with my 16 year old friend. She was disfellowshipped because she was being sinful. He only stepped down from his position as elder and was told to take his wife on a vacation. This is just an example of what they say and do are two different things. There is a public face and a private face.
Child abuse is rampant in the organization. Here's why: There policy is that you have to have two eye witnesses to the abuse before they will believe a child is truely abused. Another policy of the organization is that you are not allowed to take a brother to court. That is why they will discipline their members without the interference of law enforcement. So a child molester will be among them, be shunned/disfellowshipped as discipline, and then be allowed back in after a few months to a year. Usually the perpetrator repeats the offense at a different congregation, only is more cautious about getting caught.
The reason I am telling you all this is because you mentioned you were a social worker. More than likely you have ran across the abuse of JW parents. This abuse is more prevalent than you think. There are many cases going to court and settlements against the organization, due to not reporting the abuse. ALL settlements have been with gag-orders.
I should tell you that they do not consider it lying when in court. They feel that in certain cases it is acceptable to lie to protect the name of Jehovah. A bad reflection on them, they feel is a bad reflection on God. They mention the scripture- "Do not throw your pearls before swine." Pearls of truth. That is how they have gotten away with it.
I hope that helps- message me if you want to know any more.
