Where I have seen it most effective is in the beginning of the stitch. However, I have also seen some cases where after a year or two, the LBH would "give up" (not necessarily file) but he would finally drop the rope.....for real. When it is done for real, the W knows it. She can tell, and if anything works to draw her back......dropping the rope usually can. Some guys have to file in order to drop the rope. I try to see the logic in that, and I think i do. Everyone has to do what works.
I am a firm believer in a man dropping the rope with his WAW. The problem is that most LBH'S have to go through so much cr@p before they wear down to the place they can turn lose.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!