My $.02:
I believe the greatest benefit of this discussion is for teaching. The SPF method is great for this. It breaks the stroke down and makes distinct parts that students can concentrate on. I was a decent shooter before taking Randy's class. Employing the SPF improved my game tremendously. But, here's what I've noticed after some time post-class. The set and pause times have decreased to almost nothing. During mastery of SPF, there is a lot of concentration on stopping the cue before executing the next phase of the stroke. As the phases of the stroke become automatic, there is less concentrating on the parts of the stroke and the pausing diminishes. During his class, Randy makes a very pronounced pause (to help demonstrate it, obviously). I've also watched Randy playing a match. Randy, are you aware just how little pause you use in your game stroke (when you're thinking of other things)? I think, like me, it's now all so automatic.
Having been taught the SPF approach, it made perfect sense that the tricep had to stop pulling before the bicep could pull in the opposite direction. Having read this discussion, it makes even more sense that the bicep is also what slows and stops the backstroke. The backstroke doesn't stop solely because the tricep stopped contracting just as as a car doesn't stop when you put in the clutch (objects in motion...). To me, I believe that is why the pause diminishes over time. If the bicep is used to slow and stop the backstroke and then there is a pause, the bicep is working, not working, then working again. The pause goes away because the bicep naturally wants to start working slowly as it slows the backstroke, contract more as it stops the backstroke, then continue contracting as the tricep releases it's pull and the stroke goes forward.
The SPF is an awesome way to teach students a good stroke. And, keeping a pause can be a good thing for some. In the end, it boils down to being able to repeat the same stroke at contact with the CB with consistency. As noted, Efren Reyes has a horrible looking stroke. But, he repeats it very consistently. Everyone misses shots. As good as Efren is, I don't think it's because of his stroke. There's all those other reasons (nerves, thinking about leave, etc.) that are for other discussions....
For what it's worth,
Chris D. in Austin