Present in 1.8 pre 3 but i do not see a flashing gui, only a chest opening, which closes if you open any other chest.
Darker sky Still present in 1.8 pre 3
In 1.8pre2 I have had similar experencies with progress still displaying, but then when dieing (of starvation) or when not reaching the block anymore, (Mining a block thats half out and half in reach and moving the mouse a little too much.)
http://imgur.com/oBN1eLA 2nd example
Still present in Pre1.8 but i dont notice Noclip.
The same happens when you are mining and a mob (I used a jumping horse) stand betwheen you and the block and you hit him, the breaking texture will still be there even though you stopped mining.