The anathemas still hold. They have not been lifted, nor can they be.
But yes, at Vatican II the other side of the coin was also discussed, and that is that since Protestant Baptism is 100% valid, people in those denominations are, by that very fact, incorporated into the Catholic Church. But it remains, of course, an imperfect communion at the start, and without the full complement of sacraments and without clear direction on a host of moral issues including contraception, then it becomes extremely difficult for an adult Protestant to remain in sanctifying grace with God.
Protestants are Christians, yes, absolutely. But Christ calls us to be more than just bearers of the name.
The Lord has told me a few things quite directly. I can rely upon those things, even though it not be reasonable of me to ask for anyone else to do so, since it was of a personal nature -- yet still not some grand new theological outlook -- not at all. In the Scriptures we can all of us find far more towards what the Lord calls us to be. I do flatly refuse to elevate teaching of the RCC to be on level with the written Word of God, though, and always shall. Unless the Lord reveal to me as powerfully as He confirmed to me the Bible was true ---that what the self-vaunting so-called 'Magesterium' variously proclaims is equally true in all that it professes --- then forget it. Not only that, but I will not hesitate to continue drawing distinctions between those, advertising that distinction and difference as loudly and widely as I can. That's my own service towards the Lord.
Among all of what the Lord has impressed upon me, and what can be found in Scripture, nowhere have I been told (other than by Roman Catholics) that I must become a Roman Catholic -- or else --- inevitably risk being "a bearer of His name only" etc.
But nice try. What you just said (as far as the risk factor goes) applies to membership of most any ecclesiastical organization.
Among various and sundry dangers for how one could be led amiss of what He calls us to be, the more religiosity there is, the more danger there is that one could be mislead by THAT very thing --- and not only amid Catholicism it bears to be said.
Before Vatican II there was never any mention of “imperfect communion” or “full communion” with the Orthodox church or any of the Protestant churches. That’s because it wasn’t Catholic teaching.
That's okay. I don't really care if Catholics consider non-Catholics Christians ("Protestants", if you will). What matters is how GOD sees us. We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all and it is HIS blood which makes us holy - not the rites and rituals men invent to achieve their own righteousness.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:2-4)