Cutting back is such a universal attempt by alcoholics that we could revise Step 1 and 2 of the 12 Steps.
Step 1: Realizing that our drinking has become problematic, we resolved to cut back on our drinking.
Step 2: Having failed at cutting back, we resolved to reinstate the old first two steps in their original form.
But seriously, trying to cut back was such a big part of my alcoholism that I actually do consider it to be one of the steps I took toward finally quitting. Until we prove to ourselves once and for all that we can't drink, we will always try to prove that we can drink like normal people. Throughout early recovery we are constantly finding out what works, and what doesn't. I think we can make a case, albeit a rather feeble case, that trying to moderate is almost part of the process of recovery, well... leading to it, anyway.