I cut the leeks in half even more if it is bad and the new growth comes up again nice and clean.
Touch wood, we don't have a lot, but got it last year for the first time. I did the same and with the same result. I was surprised how fast the leeks regrew. But it was a mild winter. This is good advice, Ace.
If (or should that be when) it gets worse here, I will net. How fine does the net have to be? Fleece? We also have rust (slightly). Does netting/fleecing help or make it worse?