I'd say lighter weights and a higher rep count are great even for people who are consistently going to the gym. My best gains have come from periods where I did half the weight with 15-20 reps, a good depth and a slower tempo. However, I understand If someone wants to follow the Powerlifting path with 1-5 heavy reps.

That being said, trying to pick up where you left off after several months or years is a suicide mission. Hell, I feel that after a week everything's 1 Ton heavy!

Thanks for your insight on "ego-lifting", have a great day my friend!