Nerd -
Yes by CEO Huff's own admission his three year plan started on or about the end of 2002, beginning of 2003. I noticed the first mention of the plan to the public in the Aug 21st 2003 letter, which differs a little bit of what you said in 2004. I think the plan actually started sometime around the summer of 2002 on the previously mentioned old GTEL FAQ page where CEO Huff was answering questions directly to the shareholders. Many of you probably remember this format.
In any case, it has been more than 3 years as of today, but without splitting hairs, not too far gone. At the end of this year, December 2006 - 4 years later - I hope to see some results like the rest of the people who are following GTE. If there was a line in the sand, a cap on the bottle, an end to the madness, I would say December 31st is it. FWIW.
On the credibility meter, CEO Huff is pushing weak in my book.
All frustrations aside, I hope today's spike is reflective of a complete turnaround for the company. Unfortunately, my gut tells me otherwise.
GLTY.