I have been leaving the professor's nightmare out of my routine, because the way I learned it looks clumsy. I watched another magician perform it about a week ago, and he was able to pinch the lower ends of each rope between the fingers of his right hand and lift them all at once! I didn't get a chance to ask him, so can anyone tell me how that move is set up to get the ends in the right position for the "stretch" move?

Sorry but that question must be answered in the secret sessions area of the Café' (as far as I know).
I recommend Paul Green's "In The Trenches" DVD for an excellent routine of cut & restored rope to the professor's nightmare.
As with most effects there is more than one way to handle workings of the effect. Maybe someone will PM you with the help that you need. I would PM you my method but I am so bad at trying to explain anything that I would only make matters worse for you.
Iven