I remember in those years the Society making a big deal of the Scripture where Jesus told the apostles to 'let the Pharisees be.' The concept was not to respond to 'apostates' because that would just be profitless. Of course profit is determined by who you are in this case.
I for one grew up as a witness and even witnessed (no pun intended) some of the events Ray Franz describes in his books. Many of the things he says are conclusions I had already begun to come to. But he certainly sped up that process for me and made it much less painless.
I dug up these quotes from the period:
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w82 11/1 p. 21 Champions of Kingdom Truth Assemble ***During this afternoon all of Jehovah’s ministers were warned that the enemies to be on guard against are not only those obvious ones ‘on the outside’ but those who profess to be of us yet who craftily seek to weaken our faith and service. Said the speaker: "These convey the thought that, since Jehovah is such a loving God, all that he wants us to do is to be good persons, care for others in a physical way and love our neighbors." Viewpoints like these can be dangerous, for they do not take into account the command laid upon each one of Christ’s followers, namely: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations."—Matthew 28:19.
Some question the need for an organization and claim that all a person needs to do is read the Bible for himself. The rank inconsistency of this position is to be observed when such ones proceed to set up their own organization and follow their own prescribed course of study, based on human wisdom.
When we are faced with such negative and opposing arguments, the counsel of the Holy Scriptures is clear: Let them be. Avoid them. Move ahead with your precious ministry. (Matthew 15:14; Romans 16:17, 18) To dispute publicly with those causing divisions would be displaying a lack of good judgment. Each of us should do his part in helping the household of faith to keep the right attitude toward those who would defame Jehovah, his organization and his organized people. The kingdom proclamation will be completed successfully, for Christ Jesus promised to be with his servants "all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."—Matthew 28:20.
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w83 3/1 p. 23 What Is Our Position Toward Opposers of the Truth? *** 7
How did Jesus react to those who opposed him? Speaking to his apostles, he said: "Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." (Matthew 15:14) Jesus’ wise advice was: ‘Let them alone.’ In due time it would be evident what they were.