Please let us know how it goes with the treatments!
I usually try to protect my peppers seedlings from any cold stress, but I'm sure I've stressed a few unintentionally. Since I'm not usually planting immature plants into the ground anyway, there's not much point.
I have been thinking about pinching tops though, to see if I can do better with certain types indoors. Specifically I want to grow some guajillos again this year but they tend to put on a lot of stem if we don't get a lot of sunshine. I may try pruning them to encourage branching and discourage the tallness. I was thinking to pinch the tip but only after the third set of true leaves.