I'm really into method three right now, it is the one I am currently using the most. I have shied away from any kind of stretching thus far as I cannot allow any artifacts to get through to my clients. I can experiment later when I have some down time with Melodyne, but with the three methods outlined in the videos, I already know there will not be any artifacts. I have Melodyne essential, is that sufficient?
I will report back my findings when I can play around with it. I often get a lot of blast beats with metal bands at my studio so I need to move quickly without artifacts. This is very important. With slicing and crossfading I know it will work. I am skeptical with any kind of stretching but will give or a spin later just to see.