Um, well I was born in the 80s and I was taught that the U.N. was the Beast with the many heads and horns. Absolutely they called it blasphemous and were critical because they saw it as usurping Gods authority and promise for mankind (one it couldn't deliver). They were also very clear about the Beast's eventual destruction. I never really noticed any softening of the label. And boy was Revelation the popular book for weekly book studies. 
However if I'm not mistaken the Great Beast is the one who kills Babylon the Great under Jehovah's direction. The harlot being Christendom and false religion under who God's people have suffered greatly down through history. So her destruction is justice being exacted & would be a good thing for God's people. 
So the way I see it the U.N. & Watchtower scandal is an enemy of my enemy is my friend sort of thing for the time being.
Not that I do care though, seeing as I left a couple of years ago, but it does nothing for me in turning more against the organization to answer your question.

I also remember the YMCA stuff as well (couldn't you get disfellowshipped for going there?).