The vast majority of elders are likely in their authentic self sincere people with good intentions. And as such, they may be nice people. Of course, everyone, even people who’ve done some less than nice things, has a nice side when the circumstances are favorable for it.
But here’s the thing: the individual that is in the role of elder is governed by the rules of the Watchtower Society and its Hierarchy, rather than their own individual conscience. Sure, their own personality can provide some variation, but it is sort of like a dog on a short lease. They only have so much leeway.
Elders are given a confidential rulebook, “Shepard the Flock of God”, which give the rules they must implement. They also have letters from the Branch, giving them further rules. They are given training at Kingdom Ministry school. The circuit overseer rolls through at least twice a year and reviews how compliant the elders are. Other elders are always watching and could report the person to the CO or the Branch. Any who are out of bounds are removed.
There is no room disagreement with Watchtower “guidelines”. That would be disagreeing with the “Faithful Slave”. It is viewed better to comply with the Slave even if their decision about something is mistaken, then to disobey the channel God has appointed. There is little room in obeying the Watchtower’s rules for personal feelings, of saying “I don’t like the way that was handled” or “that’s not very nice”. They have to do things “by the book”. They have to suppress their individual conscience.
When it’s time to vote, on a judicial committee, or if about another matter, if the elder is in the minority, it is sometimes encouraged for them to change their vote to go along with the majority.
Elders are expected to keep an eye on “the flock”, head off trouble if they see someone who may be “going astray”--and that is, those who aren’t complying with the written and unwritten rules of the Watchtower. Growing a beard, going to a school dance, considering higher education, dating without a chaperone, not reporting enough hours, ect…
Elders are not given real or extensive training like clergy in other denominations. Many are painters, window washers, construction workers…but they often encounter intense problems that require professional help. They cannot provide real help to people. And many times, this “help” comes in the form of a judicial committee with ultimately expels people in the time they need help the most. In reality, their main function is as an organizational policemen, rather than “shepherds” providing pastoral care.
Therefore: even the nicest, sincerest, humble elder can end up doing some pretty not nice things, things they otherwise would not do of their own accord. It is not them, it is the Watchtower, ultimately, the Governing Body who is the casual agent for their behavior.
Some elders who struggle with their conscience, end up stepping down. And some of those wake up, and are here and on other exJW forums.
Throughout history, many otherwise nice people have even committed outright atrocities because they believe they were serving the greater good.