Severe thrips infestation ~1 week from harvest...Cut them down or wait?

You can wait a little longer and start getting ready to harvest soon. Thrips primarily attack the leaves and can stress the plant, but they rarely devastate mature buds in such a short period. Keep pruning heavily infested or dying leaves (they harbor eggs/larvae). Avoid over-defoliating healthy areas so as not to stress the plant. Use strong fans for air circulation (thrips hate turbulent air). Check the buds with a magnifying glass for any infestation. Increase airflow and lower humidity to prevent mold. Harvest when ready (based on trichomes, not the calendar). If the thrips get worse or the buds show damage, harvest early.