Hi Joel,
It makes sense what you are saying, especially for sometimes over-enthusiastic new quitters. It seems that as soon as one stops smoking, one immediately wants to convert all remaining smokers around him or her. And the usual mistake is interfering with other people's life and engaging one's own energy in somebody elese's process. Everybody has to do it on one's own, all we can do is be an example and offer information and support IF ASKED FOR.
For example: My cooworker quit smoking almost one year befor me. Even at that time I was considering giving up smoking and tried and failed many times, too. All these months I was puffing in front of my collegue, wich was not a nice thing to do. He never ever judged me for that and he stayed off nicotin successfully for almost one year now. When I finally quit smoking 2 weeks ago, I realized what an inspiration he was for me - just watching him quit successfully and never judging me or interfering with my smoking.
So I think the greatest achievement for an ex-smoker is just staying an ex-smoker and be an example for others, that it can be done.
Candy