I feel like no one ever responds to the grow diary posts... I wonder if they show up differently?
I too am in New York and started mine not long after you... seeds went in water March 1st and 10th respectively I also have 3 big and like 9 smaller younger ones... but my 3 special ladies get most of the attention.
Mine are still inside but quickly running out of space... really trying to push it till the end of May if I can.
As far as topping outside... you can, but every time you do, they slow for a bit, and we don't have time to spare here. Also, yours likely flipped to flowering since you put them out a wee bit early, so honestly, I wouldn't top if it were my plants.
"Defoiliating"... I don't unless it's dead or clearly dying leaves. The leaves are the solar panels of the plant and max energy is needed to make you big beautiful buds... some may disagree, but that's my opinion.
LST... you can open the canopy of each plant by gently training branches down, that allows more sunlight in and you end up with bigger buds. I sometimes take off the entire lower couple branches if they're looking scraggly cause that's just a waste of energy for little to no bud... some call that lollipoping in a more extreme form... it's also helpful to have airflow underneath once we hit cool damp fall temps... but rot is not your friend. I've done a few outdoor grows, but I'm no expert... always learning! Looks like you have a sweet set up. Mine will be living in my garden as well once the soil is ready and the weather stops sucking.
I like your garbage can idea too... may have to use that come frost season... just gotta be real careful and take them off at first light... covering budding plants is a bitch.
Happy growing!