I do 18/6 at 30k to 35k and my lights are at about 20 inches for vegging.. I am not saying this is correct but it works for me .. Not a big believer in too much light as plants do great outside at more than 100k lux for 18 hours a day in the sun. Kind of shoots that theory down for me. I tried my lights lower and plants did not like it. I keep them at around 20 inches. Not saying I am correct as I am still learning but this has worked for me in the past . Its all trial and error and finding what works for you. I cannot say what is true or not.. What you say makes sense but I never saw the need to get my lights so close. Peace