You can most definitely see the difference. The "ignore" routine worked quite well with Fern. That combined with a certain amout of petting, even if that meant laying on the floor reaching into inaccesible places. Keep in mind that it took Fern 4 years to come lay on my lap. And even though she still scurries away 7 out of 10 times I reach for her, she also demands her morning pets atop of the fridge.
Go Minnie, Go. The best is yet to be.