What some forget, is that growth of values may continue amidst a series of partial Roth conversions. Over the time I have been converting, the tax deferred account has grown enough to exceed the amount converted. This despite the 2008 recession. I've a couple of years left before 70.5, but it is kind of hopeless. I am going to just have to suck it up and pay the tax.
Yes, but just think how much 'worse' it would have been had you not done any Roth conversions. A nice position to be in....