I have been using a product called "Dead Red" for the past 3 years.
Its applied to the underside of the leaves and has been the only product that has done the job in my experience
Agreed. As long as she's growing well, you can take countless clones off her and if you overdo it, turn one of the clones into your new mother and keep going.
Tried it a number of times to no effect. Not the most pleasant tasting tea. Might give it a go again, but it doesn't hold all that much appeal anymore.
Experimentation vs. business - you can do both. Have a grow in which you use tried and true techniques to yield the largest harvest possible, while on the side carry out experimental grows to see if you can make improvements.
Despite the fact that is was unnecessary to remove the branch, it won't harm the rest of the plant. Sometimes less is more, i.e. don't over mother your plants and they'll do just fine.