It could be effective when there were made concessions. Like between China and the Watchtower during the 90's, when the Watchtower changed their definition of the word "Kingdom", for negotiation with the government.
This is similar to what Watchtower did in Mexico to maintain ownership of the kingdom halls when laws were passed that all religious buildings became state property for the benefit of the community. This did not affect worship but meant Watchtower could never flip the buildings for profit. Watchtower changed the building purpose and then gave the impression they were an education center (building). They also dropped the singing of songs.