In 1994, when the new light on the generation teaching was printed in the pages of the Watchtower, the CO's were used again to deliver a much stronger message in person (that could later be denied). They were saying from the platforms of the assemblies and Kingdom Halls, "Do not be fooled borthers, this new understanding of the generation DOES NOT mean that Armageddon is any farther away. It is still very, very soon. It is quite possible and even likely that it could come within a year or two of 1994.
At least that's what they were saying in our circuits. Of course, after the 1975 fiasco, they wouldn't dare put any in print. It's also noteworthy that around that time they came out with strong prohibitions against taping and passing around the CO's talks for encouragement, which was a popular custom up until that point.
I was 10 years old in 1973. I remember studying the articles about the 6000 years of man's existence and everyone talking excitedly about it. My father constantly said, "I don't believe you kids will make it to highschool. My brother was scheduled to start in 1975 and I in 1976. After the society came out with their disclaimer, post 1975, my father swallowed it hook line and sinker. It's true the society never SAID the end would come in 1975.
Well, technically, that IS true. But they certainly implied it, whipped up and encouraged the frenzy, and misled millions with their implications. Name one Jehovah's Witness who would have ever got excited about 1975 and left the organization because of it, if the society had not first put that date into their head? You won't be able to do it. It would have never happened without the Society initiating it, therefore, they are responsible.