Relatedly: I wish there was a practice of acknowledging when you give up.

I've seen so many people just slink away from their PhD's, perhaps with a nominal masters, but always in some kind of defeat, without accepting or sorting out exactly why. That makes the experience dog them for a long time.

People leaving should write an announcement. There should be a public acknowledgement, perhaps walking the gauntlet of those staying who nonetheless applaud your decision.

We can't have venturing without a personally and socially positive way to manage venture failure and its aftermath.