I think a lot of this is based on how most of us eat; or more correctly, the North American standard of "3 squares a day" with the larger meals coming later in the day.
In my case, don't ever usually eat a large breakfast (and my breakfast usually consists of yogurt and/or oatmeal, 2 foods which keep my pouch happy), so my pouch is typically quietest through most of the morning and into the late afternoon. Things just naturally start moving once food is in the system, so the activity really kicks in a few hours after lunch. I tend to eat a smallish lunch, with a light snack around 4 pm and then probably what most would consider a lighter dinner around 6:30-7. Regardless of quantity, the bulk of my eating does come later in the day, and I believe that is why my pouch is more active in the late afternoon/evening. However, I'm lucky that my frequency isn't really bothersome. And based on my work/social schedule, I can't really significantly modify my eating times. I have to try to work with it.
If you want to try to slow things down for yourself, other than continuing with the bowel slowers, you could try eating 4-6 smaller meals a day, instead of 3 large ones. Dieticians say this is healthier for digestion and weight management anyway. If you are reluctant to overhaul your diet like that, try adding bulking foods - oatmeal, rice, and bananas. I find oatmeal especially helps to slow me down.
As for "j-pouch life" I'm one of the people who consider myself relatively normal, but for the fact that I go more often. That isn't to say I don't have bad days. I still do have butt burn, with a particularly annoying case about every 2 weeks. I also occasionally have botherome gas. Otherwise, most days I'm good. I don't take any medication regularly, though I would say that I do tend to eat lighter meals (as I touched on above). There is no magic formula for success; if there then we wouldn't need this site! To be honest, though, I didn't really start to settle into a routine until more than a year out. Now over 4 years out, I'm still noticing some changes. You are still less than a year post takedown and I think it's reasonable for you to expect further improvement.