I don't think it matters what I or anyone else thinks—all that matters is what the person tapering off thinks. Trying to meet someone else's idea/expectations only sets one up for feeling bad about themselves, undue discomfort, and possibly failure. Left to their own devices, I can't imagine anyone dragging (something like) this out any longer than they feel they have to. If it were me, I'd want to get it over & done with as quickly as possible without undue discomfort.

The only goals/measuring sticks we should try to live up to are those we set for ourselves, and even those may need to be flexible/reconsidered if overly ambitious/optimistic.

Doc