I am sure that we individually are responsible for decisions and actions we take. We reap what we sow, and ultimately must face the personal responsibility. However, other factors do contribute.
I am a 5th generation JW, and my wife is a 4th generation JW. We grew up together in the 1970's in the same rural area congregation where both of our fathers were elders. My father was very strict and emotionally abusive. It has taken me years to even be able to admit that. In his partial defense, his childhood was difficult. His method of correction was to strip your self-esteem to the bone. This is the type of man that can be a JW elder. Where is Holy Spirit involved in the appointment?
We married at 18 years of age. I know that we loved each other, but we both changed and grew as we matured. I was an angry young man and was at times emotionally cruel to my wife. We have stayed together because my wife is the finest person I have ever known. She is loving, longsuffering, very moral, kind and a wonderful mother. I was always doing "more important" things. I was a very good provider but, I was always after self-esteem and got at the Kingdom Hall. I was a MS, aux-pioneer, elder, circuit assembly, district stuff, temp bethel worker, blah, blah, blah. To have father figures (men twice my age) applauding my accomplishments was a real esteem booster. Like my father, how could I possibly be qualified by holy spirit to be an elder and give families counsel. I look back (like the apostle Paul) and consider it all a lot of refuse.
My wife was also the first to realize that the WTS was selling crap. She and I have been progressively waking up for about 15 years. We read Ray's books 18 months ago and it was extremely emotional on many levels. Sadness, relief, sympathy, anger, over so many areas of our lives and what could have been.
I am amazed at what elders wives put up with. The WTS always talks out of both sides of their mouth saying, "thank your wives that you are here at this special meeting away from your families." "We know your families sacrifice so that you brothers can serve" "Be sure and take care of your families needs". Then they tell you to get busy with a huge list of organizational stuff to do, and your worth as a person and an elder hangs on their opinion of you. It is like Corban. Jesus denounced the practice of setting material things aside for a holy purpose while not caring for aging parents. Elders give family time as Corban instead of where it is most needed.
I used to wish my wife was "more WTS spiritual". She felt inadequate for many years because she was not all that the WTS or I wanted from her. (In other marriages, many wives complain about their husbands not being spiritual heads). I now realize that she is the reason for all the good things in our lives. My WTS efforts were all a waste. I was a selfish person and will spend the rest of my life spending every day spoiling my dear wife. (she's really fit and pretty too - haha)
I want men and women to know that their mates can eventually get it. The WTS definition of how their spiritual routine is the most important thing in a marriage is extremely damaging.