To me, DA'ing is somewhat like willfully refusing to pay your federal taxes. Sure, we all hate paying taxes and the federal government is mostly wrong, and very hypocritical but they have power and can throw you in jail if you don't pay. In jail, you don't get to be with your friends and loved ones. You become a felon and hardly anyone talks to you any more except fellow inmates. But you did make a statement.
On the other hand, a gradual fade is somewhat like most of us do when it comes to paying taxes. Cheat on our tax return, work for cash 'under the table', claim questionable deductions, and basically commit fraud. We do everything to avoid paying taxes but we don't usually go to jail (unless we get caught) lol.
Maybe that's just to simple and illustration but it works for me and I spent several years deciding which way to go. Possibly I took the 'easy' route but we all have a choice and I like the freedom to undermine the wtbts and their bs every chance I get even to my former fellow elders and long time witness friends.
just saying!