im trying to learn all of this, myself. i have some LST, sone FIM, some straight topped... one thing i havent done is remove any maristems. first, even the thinnest branches are producing some popcorn, and some icy trim for hash. several grams a branch. now, im not arguing with you.. thats now why im here.. my brain tells me that if the plant is healthy in the first place with healthy roots, the top growth wont be increased by cutting lower growth. a perfect plant will have roots and stalk to absorb all of the water and nutes to all of its branches. why waste pot? now i DEFINITELY see the importance of topping and training to increase yield... thats only too easy to see.
good post, tho. pretty plants, and some +reps for ya.