How long did it take for tolerance to develop?
By threshold dose I mean take no more than is needed to get an effect. I experimented a bit and found 50-100mg of modafinil (1/4 to 1/2 pill) to be effective and have never taken 200mg.
Escalation on tolerance is the exact opposite of what you want. On the first hint of tolerance, stop. Again think about the control system at work. Your body is trying to maintain homeostasis, which is usually a very good thing.