SOME details

Perlite organic soil mix.. (additional 1/2 inch perlite at the bottom of each pot)
Fert with MG (feed plants with Miracle Grow)
Under 1000 watt HPS bulb using
1 gallon containers
FLowering at 10-14 inches tall...
Each plant harvests 2-3 ounces
No topping
Main cola is almost always 1 ounce...
Usually harvest about 2 pounds per 1000watts..
PH 7.0

The main goal is to get 2 ounces per plant.... 16 plants per 1000watt bulb..

love

If transplanting works for you and you want to put in the effort....
And I think what you are saying may have some validity...
You have the experience... love

As far as watering being tricky with 1-3 gallon pots... please explain...
It is water, let dry.. water , let dry, water, let dry... water about once a week...

love