On the pinching idea... it is absolutely a GREAT Idea every plant i have done myself I have "topped" or pinched... what it does..is when you pinch the leaves from the center of a shoot 2 more will come in its place... just dont go to town topping 3432432543 spots in one day.. give each new growth time to heal
Just my .02 :stoned:

Just do a search for "topping" or Pruning