Your story sounds similar to my own hns. I had five years while going to AA but still did not really 'get it'.
I left AA for various values based reasons though did learn some good things in the early days. Helped build foundations.
Have had multiple, 6, 12, 18 months, and each time it has gotten worse. Always believed I would eventually be able to drink rationally...one day,ha.
The pros of sobriety finally outweighed the cons, and now I love being sober no matter how hard the day. For the first time I am getting to know myself.
If you don't feel like AA just keep coming here, that's what I do, and many others hereI think.
I think, if you can manage it, your taper sounds good.
I can only say that if you really want it you'll never regret it.