I think it is a good goal, but one that is likely not attainable. I remember a pdoc (my first) who prescribed me Norpramine. I was still depressed but he kept me at a dub-theraputic dose. Another pdoc increased Norpramine to therapeutic levels. I was still struggling with depression. Then I came across a doctor who was aggressive in my treatment. Eventually I was in full remission for awhile. But then later I became depressed again.

This "symptom free" goal is elusive at best. But I think it still should be a goal that the doctor is constantly working towards. But at some point both doctor and patient may need to concede that a partial recovery is a more workable solution.