Select tops like this, for ease of handling/rooting...
...We all know that we need the next nodes below the tops in the mist...so by stretching them a little...we accomplish this

There is plenty of room to cut your clone below the lower nodes and shave them off; Underwater of course; This will provide optimum chances for rooting...

I think the lack of shaved nodes; or, just placing cut stems, dangling in the cloner...doesn;t work!!!