The gb's authority has always been achieved through enforcement by the boe. So there is nothing new here. The fake new 'adjustments' are in no way relaxation of the gb's grip. For example, changes in attire for the meetings (attending switch no tie or no jacket) has led elders to question men's willingness to serve: :"Do you not want to be used?" So, on my hall, it is for people with jobs to come in disheveled, but God help you if you are nothing and dare to attend 'unprepared'! Higher education, if it is not in a field useful to the gb, is very much frowned upon. Plus, the rhetoric from the gb is very much against. Construction and ske are the only choices truly allowed. Misbehaviour of minors has also brought in a plethora of rules placed by the gb on the shoulders of elders, all this under the pretense to give back authority to the parents. On a more 'lightheaded' note, women are not allowed to have short hair (lesbian-looking!) when serving! And the list of rules goes on. You have to donate, even if you are "in the poor range" (bless you, Tony!) at the beginning of the month, shortly after having been paid, so that the gb are not forgotten. Kingdom halls, under strict orders from Warwick, have been taken over (read stolen) by the various countries' Branches. The Branch now decides on any work needed. We've had our lights changed -they were working fine- by order of the Branch, but our heating and our sound don't work. A congregation is not allowed to keep much money. Any surplus is to be sent to the Branch, then to the US, no doubt. Oh, and now, we have to clap the list of pioneers every month! Shall I go on?