18/6 to 12/12 change and herms

I've read around the forums that female plants can be shocked into becoming herms by giving them light when they are meant to be sleeping. And i was wondering whether the sudden switch between vegetative and flowering lighting could increase the chance of having herms in your garden; could you reduce this risk by gradually switching from 18 to 12 by changing your timer every day or so? Also has anyone else got theories on ways to reduce the chances of plants going herm?

was thread on gradually switching the lights somewhere on the net, the outcome was basically dont bother and just go straight to 12/12 as its a waste of time since the plants wont flower till you hit near 12/12 anyway and you slow growth due to less light until then.