Preface: I am a 'start way too early' person. By 3 months or so.

I started my quest for massive root balls on my starts 2 years ago.

I had pretty good success by continually repotting my plants

deep and deeper*.

Modifications to my plan has this year is shaping up to be even more stellar than last 2.

I ask because one of last years 3' "starts" had a spectacular

root ball, but when planted broke off near the base of the expose stalk.

Luckily a sucker grew on it, but the plant never really recovered.

The top of the plant that broke off, with no root ball to speak off out grew the big root ball plant many folds to one. All I did for the top was stuff it into the ground, shrug and walk away.

Question are:

What is a good balance to foliage to roots?

Or is that even a factor?

How much does a really impressive root system help?

How much does a really impressive root system help in poor soil?

Am I barking up the wrong tree here, instead of 1-2' root balls with 1-3' tops, should I go for 3-5' 'starts' and

accept what ever roots develop by not potting up?

*There is more too my method than this, but it's not

germane to this post.