Nocturne, I know what you mean; the friends still come around from time to time at my store, not necessarily looking for me, but when I see them I'm happy to see them and we talk. They're just sure I'll come back. There are several congregations I've belonged to in this area so the brothers turn up from different ones. Since all I say is "I don't attend" I can't expect them to feel I have taken any kind of stand like you have.
But what surprises me is the people in my family who know how I feel about several issues/teachings and they still ask if I'll be going back soon. Funny. I know they have to hope since they believe it's a life and death decision.