I think I understand what you are saying.
But, lets say you have 4 cobs at 25W vs 1 cob @ 100W.
If you put the 4 emitters at the exact same height as the single one, their coverage area will increase -depending on how much space is between them, but overall intensity will decrease compared to the single emitter.
-because of what you said.
But as you put the 4 cobs lower, the coverage area will decrease and intensity increases. The closer you put those 3,5cm x 3,5cm Cobs together the less you need to put them lower.
Also in this case you have more angles for light rays to reach lower/mid growth -higher chance light does not get intercepted/blocked by higher growth.
Besides efficiency, I think its actually an advantage overall.
Yeah, reflectors are a good idea.
Can you agree with my POV, or what do you think is wrong with it?