It’s hard to tell since I never saw pics pre-topping. (Sorry just went through this thread ) but when you did top it looked like maybe the technique was off? It looked like you cut through mid stem instead of just taking that bunch that’s on the top. I could be wrong. But after thinking about it, it seems that could have stunted your plant. Either way, it’s turned into a nice frosty lil thing!
This pic has a good reference for the only part i would cut off especially if topping an auto: