Hi, it can definitely take longer, but you might also want to try just hanging a clear baggie over it (not tied at the bottom) and see if it helps (but use a little less water than normal). Also, keep a very, very close eye on the soil under the bag (and on the leaves) to be sure condensation doesn't grow mold - I'd normally suggest keeping it out of the sun when you use the bag, but with a ficus, all your leaves would start falling, so don't move it. If you do see any white stuff anywhere, take the bag off and scrape (lightly!) it off, and leave the bag off.

I get the feeling that no leaves were left.

You have a point :-), but hopefully he'll figure out what I meant.

Try tying a bunch of spagnum moss over the top portion of the trunk, and loosly tying it in place with some raffia or twine. Keep it moist, and you may get some budding on the trunk. I have used that technique with success a few times.
Peace,
Jim Rieden

Al said that some plants take a long time to reasimilate their cells and form buds. Just hang in there ;)