Yes doing it early was the whole point of the experiment.

So what do you think about the main stem growing back so now it got 3 top stems instead of just two as normally with topping?

So, this again means that doing it early as SWIM did can be better as it can give more top stems and the plant seem to do fine, healing and growing well.

LST in process should help too, with the light (65w CFL and 30w CFL) very close, letting all 3 tops exposed to lots of light and growth.

-M