Since my teenage years over 40 years ago, inactive jws (inactive means not turning in time, no meeting attendance) were viewed as weak spiritually and a danger to active jws...not as dangerous as df'd or da'd jws, but there was a danger of being infected. You could talk about "spiritual" things and encourage them to return to the meetings but not to socialize with them. You were not to independently study with them but it had to be okayed and supervised by an "elder."
As time goes by that "suggestion" is not viewed as seriously by many jws thinking they are only encouraging them by being their friend....so the WTS "emphasizes" that suggestion again with behind the scenes sanctions if it is ignored.
*** g05 7/22 p. 20 Why Am I Drawn to the Wrong People? ***Melanie was drawn to a fellow believer who was not faring well spiritually. “I was told she needed some encouragement, so I started to associate with her,” Melanie explained. Of course, the Bible encourages Christians to “support the weak.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) But Melanie began joining her new friend at bars, where further associations led her into reproachful conduct.
*** lv chap. 3 pp. 31-32 par. 13 Love Those Whom God Loves ***Occasionally, there may be a situation in the congregation that calls for us to watch our association. Some individuals might engage in questionable conduct. Others may develop a bitter or complaining spirit. Congregations in the first century C.E. faced a similar challenge. While most members were faithful, some individuals did not conduct themselves aright. Because some in the congregation in Corinth did not uphold certain Christian teachings, the apostle Paul warned the congregation: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:12, 33) Paul cautioned Timothy that even among fellow Christians, there might be some who do not act honorably. Timothy was told to keep clear of such ones, not making them his close associates.—2 Timothy 2:20-22.
...OUTLAW