I'm only a newb on first grow but with my Chronics; I have 3 topped and "Spidered" plus 1 bent over like a rainbow (not pinched/semi-snapped). The bent one has by far the better buds.
It used to be the runt of the litter.
depends on strain and room available... I prefer topping w/a little bending. I do it when the plants or to there 4th to 6th internode. i usually do it on the 6th giving me 4 main tops and with a little low stress bending this method works really well way better producer no doubt!
I tie down and I top. There is no law stating you must choose. Hell I married a half breed cuz I could not decide what was better mexican or white. lol