Ideally, it would be nice to see the excess water flow away thru the drain holes, since it is also the way to flush out excess accumulation of salts in the soil. That is why my frequent recommendation is to water thoroughly once a week in summer or lengthen interval if growing location is more wet and humid. This is also the reason why I often suggest make the media very porous and well draining, that way as the soil takes some time to dry out thoroughly, the roots are not sitting in too damp conditions longer than necessary. Air at the root zone is indeed needed, but do not forget the mineral accumulation there, so those excess salts needs to be flushed out from time to time. It is convenient to do this in summer, since temps are generally warmer ambient wise. But as the colder season comes around in Fall, adjustment in watering intervals must be observed.
In winter, once I have moved my more sensitive cacti/succulents indoors, they hardly get any watering, till Spring comes around. At most it becomes once a month thorough watering...and leave the plant alone by a sunny window. Discipline in watering and patience will be your friend.
Don't feel bad if this current cacti you have does not make it, sometimes, remedial measures may have come too late...just start anew, and take it as a learning curve.
