That's not what it does. It slows down the pedal. Doing that changes the application of the clutch.
You do the same thing (and more) if you do it with an adjustable pressure plate. So it doesn't make it a half automatic.
Again, I've been screaming this for years. If you don't control the APPLICATION of the clutch, you'll go slow and break parts. It's that simple.
You can't be consistent doing it with your foot. That's why you need a two step and either an adjustable clutch or the CT.
I'd rather do mine with the clutch. You have more flexibility doing it with the clutch, and the pressure ring is always fully down against the disc.