LSTing an auto is no different from LSTing a photo. If you know how to correctly LST it doesn't stress the plant out in the slightest. Not as complicated as you're making it out to be lol. Bend the plant in the desired direction and that's it.
Why the fuck do people say autos and photos... both plants use photosynthesis...
Also the tape method is STUPID! The only thing that is happening is you are giving more light to the inner plant and strengthening the fan leaf you are taping... THE BEST WAY TO LST is to take each upward stem that is coming out of the main stem and bend them outwards so they touch the sides of the pots. This will make these parts of the plant grow out and then up increasing bushiness by a shit load... You are also strengthening the stem of ever part you tie down. You can even tie your plant down towards the dirt and then pull the other stems out.
If you notice when you are stressing the stems they will be white after the first day where they are being pull down from at the beginning of the stem. The part that is being stressed, over the next few days will grow significantly in how fat the stem is.
This is the best way to LST and you can turn a ounce plant into a pound plant. Also if you top, then let it grow out about 4 inches, put in a tomato cage and spread the two tops out towards the sides. Doing this can increase the yeild by a shit load. This is the case with non autos. The one auto I have responded the same way as the other plants I have but I have yet to see its yield.