I go the whole route, from 1" starter cups for the seeds that have germinated on the incubator, into plastic beer cups, to 1gal, to 3gal, to 5gal. It is a lot of work, but I fill out the root ball at each step, and I think end up with a stronger plant by doing it like this.
I don't do anything fancy either... I use Miracle Grow soil and don't even think about adding nutes until the flowering stage.
The picture looks to me to be of a plant that is getting too much love. That curled up look, she is screaming at you, telling you that she is drowning. Use the lift method, and don't water again until the container is dry... let her breathe, and she will be happy.