I don't bend them much anymore, I find that a given plant will either give me a lot of smaller buds when I do, vs fewer but bigger buds when I don't. When I say "smaller" buds I don't mean tiny. Just smaller than huge. Ha! Of course every plant can be different.
I top, defoliate and stretch the canopy open with garden wire as they get taller.
Anyway, don't mean to confuse you. Your's looks good, and you waited a little to do it which is even better. I agree with Frank that if you're going to bend, remove some leaves that are blocking things.
As far as the milk crate, which is a great idea. I saw some rain science bags (I think it was theirs) with grommets installed around the edges. So I went and bought a grommet kit and DIY my fabric pots now. Works well for LST and for widening the canopy as the plant gets taller and taller. Good luck.