Hmm, this might get interesting but... Buds grow from nodes, remove nodes, nodes left get more with less small stuff, it’s a preference and a style. I’m not commenting on yield.
You can do anything you want to the plants and they will be fine in most cases. I do heavy defoliation threw veg and I will do what’s needed right threw to the end. It makes some cringe, some cheer...
I recommend searching this site and reading up on the techniques you mentioned. And a cola has buds packed under it, most call the main stem or tallest most pronounced branches if you topped, are the colas, the length of there catch varies...
pics or it didn’t happen.... a plant in veg and a plant 3 weeks into 12/12 look very different, hands on is the way to see it, get to it.
