Sounds about right to me! I used pretty much the same method around two years ago, but I'm growing it out now because I had a hard time with updos and layers. I just used my hand instead of a ponytail. Can't really remember why I didn't like the ponytail.
I might just go back to layers one of these days. Matter of fact, I bet that'd take off most of my current remaining damage.
Aisling, how do the layers affect your updos? Do the ends stick out all over the place? I'm wondering if having longer length and more skill with updos will make it easier to keep the ends tucked in.