So the wording of Toilsome Chant seems to imply that the bard could start the Inspire Competence performance, cast the spell with it, and then end the performance, with the target of the spell gaining the bonus to the check they are looking to make a few hours later (doing research or the like), while only a single round of performance being expended by the bard. Would this be correct? Is there somewhere this is clarified?
Yeah, don't look at as "only" using 1 round of Bardic Performance... look at more like you are casting one of your few, precious, spells. It costs you a freaking spell... you burned a spell to help someone with a skill check... the price has been paid.