Rather than "Torture Lite", we should be using "Torture Turbo".
Great response Tex!
Apart from the ethical issues, the main problem with severe torture is that eventually the subject will say anything that they think will end the suffering.
C'mon, who among us wouldn't quack like a duck if we thought it would satisfy the demands of somebody who's been beating us bloody for hours on end?
I'd say the "torture lite" is perhaps the best avenue, though I must admit I'm squeamish about any sort of torture, even in the name of saving lives.
-Jay