I prefer calling it "choice" rather than "watered down." I heard an Islamic scholar speak in Oman on Ramadan and he said that fasting was about becoming spiritually fit and that it was cultural actions rather than religious performance that led to tiredness. He said that a challenge to spiritual growth was part of becoming mature and that God's testing only made one stronger. My American friends seem very able to meet the challenge of work and family and Ramadan without losing any of the benefits.
Mandi