long term plavix use

my husband had a mild MI 6 years ago at age 44.  He was initially stented at the time of the event; staged and a  2nd stent placed one wk later.  He was started on Plavix at the time of the intial stent. Three months later he had a return of symptoms and returned to the cath lab and got a 3rd stent. At the time of the 3rd stent he was told that it couldn't be determined for certain, but it was thought that there was a clot formation, hense the placement of stent #3.  At that time he was told that because it was felt that he produced a clot while on plavix that he would need to be on Plavix for the rest of his life.  I should add that he was initially put on a full strength ASA then later reduced to 81mg ASA.  
I am an RN and recently have been working in the SICU where I see fairly frequent cases of brain bleeds as a result of a fall etc, or an emergent surg that has to be treated with FFP, or ideally be postponed, until it can safely be performed d/t plavix use.  If my husband DID develope a clot while on Plavix, I'm confused about the rational of needing it the rest of his life. It didn't prevent the first clot so what's to say it would prevent future clots. Would ASA be enough and, if so, would it need to be increased to full strength?  Is there substantial evidence that the benefits of long term use outweighs the risks of long term use.  My husband has approached his physician on more than one occasion to discuss decreasing the number of medications he takes and his physician feels that since my husband has Rx insurance, he shouldn't be concerned.  Cost isn't the issue.