I think some of this is quite individual e.g. Moon and Mina both seem to like having lots of rest days and, for example, trying their proj after 3 rest days. I feel sluggish after 3 rest days and would much rather try it after a rest day then a very short session the day before - short and snappy, like when tapering but even more so. I believe Mason said he is more like me IIRC. Someone strong I had a conversation about this kind of stuff did anyway.So... I think my vote is short n snappy sessions, no high volume stuff... but then I'm also used to training for trips.
Studies suggest decrease in training intensity for an extended period will have a negative effect on performance - Bosquet et al 2007.Majority of research recommends volume decrease of 41-60% - Mujika 2009Consensus of a block of around 8-14 day for most effective taper - Bosquet et al 2007So.... drop vol, keep intensity, do it for 8-14 days. In my experience the longer and harder the cycles were leading up to the peak, then aim for a longer taper.
I can never predict when I'm going to feel good, could be after 1 or 2 rest days or could be 4th day on. Impossible to predict.
I'm interested in the 5-day per week 'bit of everything' each week approach Patxi/Ondra mention somewhere.