so if you were to do a SOG it would do alright because your going for one large cola very quickly? otherwise probably not worth it right?
you're getting close to the idea here, wonder;
the idea is an even canopy so that you can keep your lights equally close (4-6" is what i've seen most often recommended in full veg and flower, with seedlings benefitting from a little more distance) thereby reducing the penetration drawbacks and increasing the par delivery to your plants. this is why tailoring the spectrum of your light source by using wavelength specified aquarium bulbs is necessary to achieve the heights of success other growers have using T5. hence, they are well suited to SCROG (and to an extent, sog) and other stress training techniques that manage the canopy. furthermore, the implementation of side lighting (whether its more t5 or cfl or whatever) is a fairly straightforward and simplistic way to combat the penetration issues (which are overstated IMO).
combating these penetration issues, along with engaging in spectral balancing, will enable a T5 setup to produce buds that are as dense, more resinous, more potent, and in comparable quantity when compared with those produced by HID. check out the thread links i posted for photographic confirmation.
be easy
p.s. when i "liked" your post, i did also have the ulterior motive of getting you back in here!