Violets do not want to touch one another - the leaves will be competing for the light. So if the leaf touches something - the plant tries to reposition it - move sideways, up, turn it. It is not an official terminology - but when you've seen it once - you recognize it.

Regarding the use of rings. Some plants always grow up - doesn't mean if there is enough light - the old variety 'Magnolia' has pretty much upright petioles. Some plants- majority I would say - position their leaves more or less flat - the breeding was actually aiming for this. And some have droopy bottom leaves. These will benefit if the ring is there. Older leaves that already starting getting pale, droopy and tired should be removed anyway - but if the good strong leaves of certain varieties sag - ring is useful.

You can find them on the net - or look at ebay suppliers - sometimes you can get used rings for not that much money and just wash them well.

Rings are handy - but if you do not have them at this moment and think your plant needs it - get styrofoam or paper plate, make one radial cut from the edge to the center - and make a round hole in a middle - smaller than the diameter of the top of the pot - and cautiously slide this plate under the leaves so the center will be in a hole.

I keep a dozen rings on hand- but rarely use them. If you grow a large Primulina - they also help. Yes - I am positive that people who grow AVS should try growing other members of the Gesneriad family.