We pretty much had a feeling they were going to stop printing the numbers for obvious reasons, however, for them now to actually do it...embarrasing
The latest scripture based research evidently points to the fact that when Jesus spoke about the "faithful and discreet slave" appearing in our twentieth century, we had ( more new light spinning ) in mind a 'theological concept' of worldwide proportions. We, therefore, as the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, do not keep a list of all partakers, for we do not maintain a global network of anointed ones. Thus, meticulously counting all emblem partakers is not necessary as this does not represent the number of anointed ones on earth. Our upcoming 2013 Yearbook will reflect these changes in understanding and cease publishing the number of partakers.
What we do know is that there will be some of the anointed “slaves of our God” on earth when the destructive winds of the great tribulation are released. (Rev. 7:1-3) Until then, the anointed will take the lead in something that is well-documented by our annual service report—the greatest preaching and teaching work in human history. As part of the King’s belongings, they are happy to cooperate fully with the arrangements made by the Governing Body, which represents “the faithful and discreet slave.”