Yes I agree with XBEHERE comments that change has been brought about by the changing of the guard.
The other thing that has brought about change is survival and to stay relevant. This can be seen on their stance on the internet. If they had still maintained the same position on the internet as they did say in the early to mid 90's the ex-jw community would be running wild. Well actually it kind of already is. But they have seen the need to react to it, and are presently trying to do something about it. It just amazes me it took them 20 years to figure it out. The thing that gets me so angry is that millions were held to ransom for what proved just to be a personal opinion of group of guys in Brooklyn.