Just read your blog post. The dread method is exactly what I do. My hair is always braided up in one way or another (though not in twists. Curious as to how you're able to keep twists in for three weeks!) and only recently did I turn to a weave for a change up. That was after I was almost waist length and now after waist length. BUT for two years straight this was my tried and true method keeping it braided up for 3-4 weeks, occasionally rinsing the braids (or putting dabbing and cleaning the scalp). And it is always my go to method. If you make sure to use detangling stuff when you take down your hair (I have to at least) then it's really an easy laid back way of achieving your goals.
Tips on twists though as I'd love to switch this up and practice for the summer because twisting my hair every day is a no no. I have tons of strands but they're fine (and kinky) so I've found that my fine hair does not like too much manipulation. Maybe with your tips I'll get from whip (btw waist and hip) length to my final goal of tbl or classic while trying out a new style (w/o a setback)!