I grew up a Jehovah's Witness (now attend a Presbyterian Church), and every piece of data in this article that touches them is bullshit. The idea that gold-rimmed glasses are banned is just bizarre. You may see a different pair of Witnesses come by at different times because that was who was out that day, not because there is any tactic. There are no "immediate superiors." You are not disfellowshipped for "questionin…
"...talk about... New Light and the Ark of Salvation".
New light is the term used in Watchtower publications whenever doctrine is changed. It's not something that would be discussed with potential converts (householders to use their parlance). Ark of Salvation I'd never heard used in the over 16 years while attending (it could of course be a new or older term).
"...lead Witness would bring along a different assistant. ...according to accounts from people who have left the sect - it’s quite deliberate and it’s designed to get you hooked."
This wasn't a tactic I'd seen used or was told to use for return visits (returning to an interested person's house) or bible studies (reading and answering questions with them from a Watchtower publication). It wasn't stipulated in the publications used to direct the ministry: Our Kingdom Ministry or Organised to Accomplish Our Ministry.
"It is forbidden to wear gold rimmed glasses in the Jehovah’s Witnesses"
Completely wrong. I knew several Elders (local leaders of the congregation) who did.
"Anyone who questions an order is kicked out for ‘disfellowship’"
I did question fundamental Witness doctrine (no blood transfusions, smoking, no birthdays) and I wasn't disciplined in any way. Just like questioning your bosses decisions at work it's at their whim how they take it: if you're disciplined or not. Disfellowshipping (shunning of congregation members) isn't rare and it does happen for questioning doctrine ('apostasy') but the extreme statement made is not correct.
"every member has many basic duties... sell crafts"
No. Jehovah's Witnesses don't do these typical church coffee morning/bingo type fundraising activities. They only accept donations from the public for publications and personally donate money as they wish.
"cannot... drink"
Wrong. Alcohol in the congregations I attended was treated in the same way the general public treat it.