Kismet5,
not sure that contributing to a post and thread made over 4 years ago is going to achieve very much, as people have moved on. Best to read the R posts from the archives to get a real insight concerning the fast and the fasting process.
I have re-read the thread and do not see where it states what you have mentioned that "stopping short of "finishing" would negate the benefits of the fast", which of course it does not. The benefits are in proportion to the length of the fast, as most people are aware of.
Cleansing as you may know continues post-fast on a proper diet and lifestyle habits, such as eating only when there is a demand for food and so on.
Can't really make out what point you are trying to make.