I once heard a phrase that I think is applicable to this case -
"It's an exercise in keeping the zombie walking."
Growing up in the 80's, Bethel was this magical, Disney-esque place that JW parents encouraged their children to go to. It is the world-wide headquarters of their organization. The space mountain of Bethel was their printing operations. As Bethel service was the JW equivalent of military service, working on the printing presses was like being Marine Corps Infantry (no offense, Marines. It was just that way).
In the 90's I entered into adulthood. I had an elder who is a former Bethelite. Every sentence that came out of his mouth started with "Back when I was in Bethel..." Bethel was the Vatican for JWs.
Then things started to change. No more hardbound publications. Only paperback. Only one issue of Awake! released per month. Then only one issue of the Watchtower was released per month (THE Zion's Watchtower reduced by 50% per year). Then there was the public and congregation versions of the Watchtower with only the latter having the Watchtower Study articles.
Jump forward about 20 years. Nearly all printing has ceased and JWs are required to download their own personal copies. With that being the case, why have a Bethel? Why continue referring to your followers as "Kingdom PUBLISHERS of the Good News" when you are no longer pushing your printing materials?
I see Bethel service ending all together in a few years. The headquarters in Warwick will only be the Governing Body and their personal staff. The only activity going on will be writing, filming talks, and administration. For a generous donation you and your family can visit the JW Vatican and kiss the 7 Popes' rings.
I really think a clock has started and when it hits 0:00 this whole house of cards will cease to exist.