Hi Beardy,
I agree with you, sometimes reverse taper isn't necessarily a negative thing and can add to the charachter of a tree. If the bark is gnarled and branches contorted, it conjures a haunting image reminiscent of an ancient English oak in the depths of a forest. Unfortunately the bark of the elm was smooth and there was nothing, for me anyway, that really added to the tree with the taper being the way it was.
It's not something I've rushed into. I'm always wary about taking the saw out and even lopping off branches, as in the early days, a second look at a tree from another angle and the removed limb in right hand would shortly be followed by my left hand slapping my forehead and an expletive being muttered under my breath lol
Every side of the tree had its negatives and very few plus points. The mid section, although wide in some shots, was also very flat, which confounded matters too.
I know its going to take a good few years for the new scar to heal and the taper to be restored, but I think the end result will be worth the wait.
All the best,
Aaron