A method for maintaining reliable communication between a command initiator and a target device is provided. After the command initiator detects an error corresponding to the target device and a path between the command initiator and the target device, the command initiator performs a downshift evaluation. The initiator maintains a transmission speed if the downshift evaluation determines that forgoing a transmission speed downshift is required, and reduces the transmission speed if the downshift evaluation determines that transmission speed downshift is required. The command initiator then logs the downshift evaluation result and reports any transmission speed change to a user.