Well, this is a great point....I think that that poster was giving you
honest advice, as they see it.
This question is just not one for which there is one fixed/best answer.
I imagine that for any number/approach/technique for growing, that
one could then imagine a situation or need that might call for it.
(i.e. How many plants, how are they situated, and how they are raised)
A more seasoned grower might be able to suggest that sorts of slight
differences (in yield, flavor, speed, etc) that the different approaches
might affect.
My first suggestion is that you try all methods and see what works for
you. This is silly because we are talking about the effort of years in that
case.
So, just divide-and-conquer. Re-pose the question to compare specific
grow approaches, and see what the gray-beards have to add.
I imagine that four plants, vegged less, would end up with more, smaller,
buds, and that the one plant would produce less, larger, buds.
....but the total yield? Not sure. I would lean toward the four plants...
Good luck,
JD