My memory is lacking but I seem to remember back in the late 70's early 80's that the treatment of those DF'd was softened. I remember it being OK to say hello for a while but then they clamped down again. If I'm not mistaken, it was about the time of the Ray Franz departure, and if I'm not mistaken he was partly responsible for the softening.
It has been mentioned that there may be a high level apostate in NY. Could it be that such a person is responsible for the BS change and that we may see a reversal of things in the near future if this person gets exposed?