I can live with an alien who peeks out once a week or so but can the peeking go on for a year or more? I have read that they are 50-75% through when ILYBINILWY. then I am looking at about a year yet. With counseling that can shorten it and she goes once a week.
Not sure where you are getting your info from but these facts do not sound right.
Normally a crisis is marked from the start of BD. A very short one would last 1-2 years minimum. Some could last 12-15 years. Or anywhere in between. Never knew that counseling would shorten the time in the tunnel, the ones that I have heard including my own wife's it can make it worse. Now maybe if MWD is her counselor, you might be right. But thats not what I have seen.