I got a couple tips I picked up from master growers I'll share with you.
You are real close when use the word rope to describe your roots,it's called cord roots,you get them when the water is below the plant not the net pot but the plant itself. Cord roots take energy away & will slow a grow
Also taking leaves off for penetration slows a grow so just fold them behind some other part.
I'm hardheaded so I had to try both they were right,try for yourself to be sure.
This other thing I learned on my own- Never doubt anything Superstoner says about growing,I keep checking but I haven't seen him wrong yet.
GL.GG&HY