Ok folks
Autos are a funny thing and the relationship between training and development is interesting. Some autos do seem to be way laid by training a bit. Yet the spectrum of variables is infinite. Lighting schedules can also cause delays in the flowering.
As for when to stop training. Its all about recognising when the veg part is almost done, then you do indeed let vert build for good buds!
Defol is subjective and strain dependant no doubt, yet I keep it to a working minimum with autos myself
At the end off the day autos are just some fun to run alongside photos. As to me once your delaying autos to much then you may as well be photo strain