Welcome back to the growroom. :thumbsup:

Since the roots grow at night when there is no photosynthesis going on...I have found better success keeping them on an 18/6 light schedule. Once roots are well-established...switching to 24/0 is fine. (but it's much easier with my set-up, if I keep all my schedules at 18/6)

Keep the CFL's as close as possible without burning. The usable light only extends a few inches. Beyond that, it can/will make the plants stretch too much to get the light. What color is the light coming from the CFL's? Yellowish, or bluish...or are you going with both for a mixed-spectrum?

Sounds like a complicated torture-rack you've made for training. Have you tried a more versatile method, like bamboo stakes and twist-tie wire? (available in spools at most gardening centers)

I'd ditch the clear grow-jugs. The light coming through them kills roots, and promotes mold and algae growth inside the jug. (good for beneficials, but bad for roots)

Ammending a "high quality commercial mix"...? Likely you are 'doubling-up' on ingredients, which may already be present in the commercial mix. Mind if I ask what brand and type of soil?

I've gone from 24/0 to 18/6 vegging with CFL's, and had them start showing preflowers with the change. But preflowers are just a sign of sexual maturity....not a sign that changes must be made immediatelly. You can keep them in veg forever, or, use their appearance as an indicator that they are ready to go into flower, any time you are ready.

As far as using the Cervante's growguide (or Mel Franks, or Ed Rosenthall's) check the date of printing the original copy. Likely it's a twenty to thirty year old publication. Although most of the info is basically correct, some of the techniques and details have changed, as our understanding of the cannabis plant increases. Best source of grow info...Cannabis.com, of course.