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1) This program says you are supposed to set your targets for week 4, so say that my max 5x5 bench is 275lbs. If I understand you right I am only targeting doing my 5x5 max on week 4 and I use the weeks leading up to it do slowly taper up to my max 5x5 weight?
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Yes. You're target weight will be your max for week 4. I use increments of 10 pounds. This program has a higher frequency than Needsize's. So you'll need to ramp up in a few weeks to that max because you won't be used to it. You are hitting your chest twice a week, both 5x5. So this will ramp up your strength. Also, if you feel like you can go heavier that final week, do so. This loading phase has alot more volume than you're used to in a week. Madcow1's version has flat bench twice a week. That's another option for you if you want to further increase your bench. Once it's the same weight, the other is a pyramid using much heavier weight. I personally prefer the incline pyramid scheme.
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3) Again if all the above is right, then on the completion of my first 4 weeks has me MATCHING my 5x5 max. Then I move onto the deload week where I perform the same weights in a 3x3 scheme for a week. Then its onwards to the intensity phase where I perform the same 3x3 weights but bump them like 5lb or 10 lbs each week?
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Deload is the exact same weight as your last week of volume. So you'll do 275 for 3x3. Since the volume and frequency is drastically cut, this week will effectively recover your body even though the weight stays heavy. Having the weight stay heavy ensures that your strength is maintained to prepare you for the ass kicking intensity phase. I'm seeing
alot more visable gains during my deload.
Once you start your intensity phase, it's really up to you. Going from 5x5 (which is alot) to 3x3, you're weight increases should have a bigger jump from your week 4. For me, my max for 5x5 bench was 305 for all 5 sets of 5 without a spot. I'm starting my intensity phase with 320 for all 3x3. It's a judgement call. You're going from 25 reps to only 9 so the big jump won't kill you. If it does, keep the weight the same the following week and I guarantee you'll get them all. BUT, I'm only planning on 2 weeks of intensity. For what you're after, I recommend 3-4 weeks. So you're first intensity week weights used shouldn't have such an aggressive jump like I'm doing. Keep that in mind. The intensity phase is where you'll gain more strength to where you'll set new 5x5 records. During my next cycle (after DFHT for sure due to my success), I'll start over by increasing every weight used each week by 5-10 lbs. I know you said that you plateaud at 275x5. Next cycle you'll have gained at least 10 lbs on that lift if you did everything right....Maybe more.