The big reduction and then coming back after ending the trial was huge news (from Ms. D, TT member and Aut guinea pig). Assuming Aut is safer than Trobalt (and because it is a more focused drug we're hoping it is), it definitely has a chance to be upped in dosage and time frame in order to DESTROY chronic T. Here's to hoping!
In fact, in the phase II trials they're using the pill for only 28 days. As you say, I see no reason to extend this timeframe, people on retigabine are taking it for longer times despite its side effects. But phase II has to finish at some point and probably is not viable to have their trialees for, let's say, 4 months or more. The good news is that trialees, at least the ones that participate here, didn't mentioned any serious side effect apart from heartburn.