Wow, I got to working with this and see there’s alot of potential in the arrangement. So here’s what I’m hearing, please correct me if I’m wrong:
-Shorten the end. No problem. I knew someone would say that. 
- A middle eight. Where are you thinking to put it about and with what material, obviously no drums, correct?
-A 30 second build up from 1/2 speed to the first verse. I would visualize taking out the drums, right? That drum build at 8-9 seconds would ruin the effect in my opinion.
Any of you other guys feel free to chime in here. Advice is gold. 