Yes i think the terms should generally be changed to refine.
or taming of the ego.
The drive most people have in forcing the complete break down of ego, is to see behind it a little.
To know that you can exist past it.
The message about ego got repeated and corrupted along the way.
Till it becomes a vile thing.
The ego is you, no doubt.
Or rather your self supporting mental ‘code’ structure that keeps you spinning in the same pattern.