Preferred Pattern Under Reflective Hoods

Ignoring conditions, what are people's personal preferences (PPP) in regards to the positioned pattern of plants (PPP again!) under reflectors?

[4 Plants Per Reflector]
X X
X X

[6 Plants Per Reflector]
X X X
X X X

I'm running through flowering scenarios in my head, and though the 4 plant setup under a reflector might seem most appealing, I'd imagine that even in the case of identical clones, there would be enough variation in height during flowering to make the [4 plant] configuration a bit awkward. I can see the [6 plant] configuration solving this problem (variation in height during flowering - even in the case of identical clones) somewhat, as the two smallest of the six could be seated in the middle. However there would then be a smaller Watt Per Plant ratio.

From experience, what is your guys' preferred setup?

Other possible configurations:

[8 Plants Per Reflector - 2 Rows]
X X X X
X X X X

[8 Plants Per Reflector - 3 Rows]
X X X
-X X-
X X X

[9 Plants Per Reflector]
X X X
X X X
X X X

ummm.. too many variable to answer the question effectively.

How strong of a light? What type of hood? How big of an area we taking? how long are you vegging? soil or hydro?

unfortunately, sometimes there is no "one" answer.


But anyways, here is my answer. Genetics and initial root formation play a larger role in height than the amount of light does so just place your shorter plants on a book. Even better,place them on a book about MJ growing that you have read cover to cover