That's a good question Chubby.  The whole premise behind mainlining and manifolding, is that every single cola is theoretically (when done correctly and the plant cooperates) suppose to get exactly the same amount of nutrients and light.   But I think if your growing in soil to achieve the 10 tops thru a manifold, is gonna take significantly longer to achieve than just topping a plant a couple of times.  The manifold takes time (due to recovery and new growth) to achieve each legs of the manifold/mainline.  But if you talking about like what Joshua was talking about in hydro what shit that's a whole other ball game.