A "finisher" is generally something added on to a session to make it more physically demanding. "More demanding" is not what most people need. They typically need better technical execution of whatever lift(s) they are doing. As we fatigue, form tends to decrease thereby increasing risk of injury. Granted, there is no way to improve anything without risk, and this means every training session is a balancing act between risk of injury and increased performance (strength, power, etc). So if after a challenging deadlift session you move on to a challenging finisher, your risk to reward ratio has gotten out of balance (assuming your goal is improving your deadlift). In my early 40s I would "finish" a session with the 5:00/100 rep SFG snatch test. It was great for my mindset because I could keep that work capacity in the tank and be confident I could pass the test at any time. But there's no way it didn't detract from the specific goal of the program. And a specific goal is the hallmark of any good program.
I think if the athlete has specific goals and the program they're following is designed to deliver those goals then the need for a finisher is purely psychosomatic. Many people think going harder all the time is better. In my experience as an athlete and a coach, not only is this not the case, but going harder is often actually counterproductive - leading to injury, or general exhaustion often followed by getting sick.
In the end, it's your time and your body. But if your goal is increasing strength, or cardiovascular capacity, or hypertrophy, or GPP then focus on those things. Being completely exhausted after your training is not proof positive of a productive session.
I think if the athlete has specific goals and the program they're following is designed to deliver those goals then the need for a finisher is purely psychosomatic. Many people think going harder all the time is better. In my experience as an athlete and a coach, not only is this not the case, but going harder is often actually counterproductive - leading to injury, or general exhaustion often followed by getting sick.
In the end, it's your time and your body. But if your goal is increasing strength, or cardiovascular capacity, or hypertrophy, or GPP then focus on those things. Being completely exhausted after your training is not proof positive of a productive session.