I hadn’t thought about the akrasia horizon, just that humans tend to be optimistic about what can be accomplished in a time frame. (I think this holds independent of optimistic/pessimistic base orientantion.)
If you can delete the pre-commitment then it isn’t a pre-commitment and your brain will rebel. You can play that game today using, say, a calendar appointment or some other line in the sand. You don’t need Beeminder for easily-deletable commitments.
I think (without having actually thought through) that this is an irrevocable bringing-forward of the deadline time, for today. Full amount at risk, full consequences if you fail to meet the self-imposed deadline. Reverts to the normal deadline from tomorrow.
Beeminder is an extension of your will. It’s got to have teeth, or you won’t believe that you’re serious about getting this thing done.