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I wouldn't be concerned about nitrates stalling the cycle. At least in systems as small as our aquariums.
I would be more concerned with ph stalling the cycle. If you have very high nitrate readings then this indicates a lot of nitrification. The waters alkalinity that is keeping the ph stable is used up during the nitrification process so ph could drop. According to some studies. If ph drops below 6 the cycle will stall because the bacteria will no longer function.
It's always worthwhile to do at least a couple of water changes during a fishless cycle to replenish these buffers.
Counteracting the productivity of the bacteria by removing the food is negligible if the bacteria can't operate. The tank WILL inevitably cycle with water changes. Without them...it may not. Depends on your source waters buffering capacity.