To top or not to top an autoflower

While it's a controversial topic, as you said, it's hit or miss.. I think the growing environment plays a big role to this question. When i grow in my boxes, which are not very tall, then i top just to keep the size of the plant in check. That's of course next to lst as well. With larger growing strains, it might even be necessary (well, i shouldn't grow them in there, but that's another question ;)) If you have the vertical space then I think i would try to make a direct comparison, by growing 2 plants, one topped and one not, and then comparing the yield of each. This way you could see and compare the differences in your specific environment (your light, your medium, your temperature/humidity, your nutrients and feeding schedule, and so on). I'm sure some will say "no, it won't recover", while others will say "there will be more colas".. Either way, i wish you happy growing whether you top it or not! ;)