My hubby did not start in the 4 lows when we started NB with ARL. He dropped down after about 6 months I think. Our son started in the 4 lows. Both are still in the 4 lows after switching to TEI. Both are doing so much better on the new program. It was very difficult to watch both of them getting worse with no energy and very low mood. I am so happy we switched!
I myself only stayed on the ARL protocol for the first 11 months of NB. Then I devised my own protocol.