I follow the same hardening off schedule as you do, Marlingardener. I've tried to shorten the time period, and some times it works, but equally often, it doesn't. I've lost many flats of seedlings by letting myself get in too big of a hurry.
Agree with Kisal! I am very good at growing beautiful little plants from seeds. The hardest part for me is to be patient enough, waiting for it to get warm enough, and giving them enough hardening off. The only time I ever really lose plants is in the hardening off process. I think you are doing it exactly right.