As has already being said, that starting dose is overkill, I call bullshit on the 12mg takes away most/all cravings...
No matter the dose, until you get into the swing of it, you're going to crave your drug of choice because while subs are very effective, theyre boring as hell for the 99%... Ive had scripted, 24mg, 12 mg and 8mg as starting doses for all similar sized habits at said time, I dont recall the 24mg being anymore effective than the 8mg..
I was using around .4 or .5 of gear a day prior to my last taper, the occasional days where id just have one, anyways, I started on 4mg of subs and was pretty much ok on the whole..
You're right, we dont know all the variables and reasons but I do feel the same as Owen, based on what we do know, Eveys prescriber has done a number on her.. remember evey, you dont have to just go with whatever they say, if you feel you want reduce, do it, tell them (calmly

) that its what you want, as long as you go in there with a well informed argument for your case they should, should respect your wishes.