i know what youre talking about regarding stem rigidity. i had the plastic straw stems on my last Green Crack and all 5 of my California Orange's last year; and during heavy flower the stems folded badly and needed support. i usually use silica, especially if i see a plant start to get out of control. But, it seems that when I use silica to counteract the stretch its too late. I think it helps if you know the strain ahead of time. on my next photoperiod grow i plan to grow Cali Orange again and now that i know the strain, i intend to hit them pretty hard and early with heavy doses of silica