I remember that post too, Greene. Basically it said that a layer of pebbles in the bottom of a pot actually caused more water-retention rather than less. I know this is counterintuitive, but the post had good information that pointed to this (bad) result.
A agree that the only (reasonable) way to induce the bottom leafing is to top the plant. That stalk (I would not have it 2' tall but more like 12") will probably branch or at least regrow with a new top and leaves and the cut-off top can be rooted.
