Wow, great stuff guys. For my nutes, I am using pretty basic stuff, 50%bloom, 50% grow, liquid guano, and just a bit of molasses. My whole take on the situation is that I can always add/remove plants as necessary, I never counted on anything to come out of the VG, just so that anything that does, is a bonus. I have a whole regiment of plants that are growing and continuing on my previous growth technique(s). This first run is like a test drive, "let's see what this thing can do..." kind of attitude, so everything is fair game. With the experience and tips from this cycle, I will be well prepared to do an organized and effective second run, with most experimentation aside.
I've been quarreling with myself over the shared nutrients in such different stages of plant growth, but as long as I keep the nutes at a happy medium, I think everything should be fine. Yes it stops me from being able to use my specialty products that boost certain aspects of plant growth, but when I started growing, all I had was basic grow and bloom nutes, nothing else. Anything that comes from this is all experience, and bonus buds.
As for size of the plants, if/when they get out of control, I will tackle that situation then.
I love the idea of nutrient troughs in the flood pan, that's using the ol' noodle, but much easier (though not as cost effective) to just get more VG units and run cycles. Many excellent suggestions, points, and tips, thanks all. Bong rips and vapes all around!!!
More soon...