What was changed?
Some metaphysics here: it's a quantity which become a quality ))
My plateau consisted of pronunciation difficulties and lack of vocabulary.
While studying phonetics helped with understanding of articulation and made possible to follow any courses / guides / scientific papers I lacked next step - to record myself and compare with originals. I ignored this activity for 2.5 years of active studying!!
As for vocabulary I've just continued to follow sequentially page by page my study books. I used to words which I get familiar with only after 2 years of Anki repetition. It really takes time to feel comfortable with words.
Worth to mention easy access to speaking practice:
http://speaking24.com/
https://speak24.net/
RESUME: skill == time, reached plateau => need more practice )) I don't see any contradictions in my learning experience with:
https://support.cambridgeenglish.org/hc ... ning-hours
BTW The goal is still to be able to pass oral interview using English in any country without hassle.CEFR Cambridge English Exam Number of Hours (approximate)
C2 Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) 1,000—1,200
C1 Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 700—800
B2 Cambridge English: First (FCE) 500—600
B1 Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) 350—400
A2 Cambridge English: Key (KET) 180—200