I have never been able to do the lax tea by steeping for the recommended times. It will give me cramps from hell and even make me nauseous particularly Smooth Move which is mostly Senna. I can only steep my tea for 3 mins max. It was much better for me both on taste and no cramps when I switched over to "Get Regular" Yogi tea.
I have always done only one tsp of MS per drink from my first MC 10 years ago but on days that I know I need to be active I will do the recommended amount. The syrup's function is for nutritional support to provide carbs and minerals for energy so quite possibly it could help you with any lack of energy. There is no "finish line" 10 days is just the recommended "minimum" and I have never heard of anyone getting the pink tongue in under 21 days. Some never get it at all so don't count on it with a minimal MC.
Relax don't overthink it. It's gonna be what its gonna be for >you< this time around. Next time it will be totally diferent. There are way too many variables to try to second guess what each little nuance of this particular MC means. Press on