I personally know of one individual that was DF nearly four years. In that time, they religiously attended the Sunday meetings for the first two years. After getting discouraged they quit going for a while, about a year.
Later they went back, sporadically at first, but soon making 80 - 90% of the meetings. This went on for nearly a year. In that period of time, five separate letters requesting reinstatement were sent to the BOE.
Each time the elders made up lame excuses as to why the request was denied. One elder even lied to this individual saying that the Elders Manual stated a specific period of time must elapse before reinstatement could be considered. (It does NOT say that). Interestingly, when that elder was asked how long that period of time was, the elder became vague and evasive. (I wonder why?)
In case any of you are unclear on the matter, let's settle this once and for all: The elders are making most of it up as they go along!
They are in a situation with an inherently vague and contradictory set of instructions that results in grossly inconsistent handling of even similar situations. This is exacerbated by well-intentioned, but weak men that aren't sure what the heck they're supposed to do because the WTBTS guidelines are confusing, inconsistent and open to lots and lots of interpretation. On the other hand, there are elders with a personal stake in the matter, a grudge or ones that are simply assholes that twist the rules to make 'em say whatever the hell they want them to say just because they can.
Once anyone is DF'd there is no appeal outside of the three elders in the original congregation. Many, many people have been completely screwed over by countless JCs that heartlessly deny people mercy, people that just want to move on with their lives.
Let's review: It's a cult!
