I think normal practice would be to set a “New” or a “%” level and still do the REM to the reduced target. The purpose of the REM is not to give a strong or weaker correction. It is just to make up for the error between what the computer thinks, and what you actually get. Here for example would be the target using the Rexton Smart Fit at the “New” level rather than the experienced.
When you do that, for sure you need a follow up appointment at some point to bring the user up to the optimum level. I know my fitter’s philosophy is to start at the Experienced level. I also recall a study which found that users that start at a “beginner level” often never get the gain adjusted to the optimum level.
Agree that it is a judgement call. I suspect fitters that are trying to “sell” a particular aid like to use the beginner correction, as it lowers the risk of a bad experience, and a lost sale.