I've always clipped yellowing leaves catt. Don't think it makes any difference at all to the plant but the just look neater. I think your dirty girls are looking just great. I wouldn't worry about a few seeds. As long as the plant THINKS it needs to set more seed the baby will keep growing. It's when they get that signal from themselves that it's time to focus on ripening seed rather than more flowers. If you have ever planted marigolds you get the idea. Plant one in your garden and leave the one flower it came with and that's all you get pretty much. Cut that flower out and the plant panics and tries to put out as many flowers as it can. It's why deadheading annuals is a necessity.
I thought my plants were slowing down too catt until I took them out of their box today for pics. They are going strong and I'm feeling good. I just wish I had some bubblicious on the way.
I have NO idea what to do about flushing and when to start. I think I could flush them with urine and they would smoke better than what I'm buying. I'm just gonna watch what you guys do and follow along. It's getting exciting!!!