I've noticed the same thing. But, what I initially felt was harshness could also be viewed as stronger flavors. My friends like the smoother results of pre-harvest cleansing (water only for 10 days). I kind of like the stronger flavors of feeding to the end. I'm finding that half-strength nutes the last 10 days, or water only the last couple feedings is a good compromise.Ive personally tried a side by side grow same strain same nutes same everything and imo id habe to say that the one that was flushed was alot smoother and tasted just as good if not better then the one i didnt flush
But, myself and others definitely notice a difference. I think it boils down to personal preference (taste vs. smoothness) and nutrients (synthetic vs. organic, whether you feed too strong and get salt buildup).
(I imagine the cacophony of "no you didn'ts" in response to your side-by-side is perplexing. It would be to me.).