I was a member of a club many years ago, and many members referred to it as a done deal. Exactly like you are writing, forces of moom pull water up, so in that phase, you do not cut anything from the tree.
For me, it was too much paranormal, not scientific, so I never went down that road.
However, I understand that many aspects of bonsai (horticulture) are not entirely scientific. This thread as example - wound sealant, yes/no/home-made/putty/containing hormones/fragrance. Similar to soils, the timing of processes, media for airlayering, fertilisers, and organic/chemical functionality under heat, etc.
Many things are trial and error, supported by anecdotal evidence at best. And there is not much science or evidence behind. But with large enough engaged communities, we can work in those kinds of circumstances. A lot of people are sharing a lot of different experiences, and if you want, you can draw your conclusions tailored for your species, climate zone, etc.
For example, I was thinking if there is any other field of horticulture or plant propagation business which has more and wider experience with propagation by air-layering? I have no idea, but from my experience, if you want to layer some plants and you are looking for a way forward, most probably you will find some kind of hint in the bonsai community online. Can you layer linden/mugo pine/juniper (insert your preferred/complicated species)? When start? What media works, and how long does it take? Bonsai guys have answers, anecdotal, but answers. Right? Who else is doing that in botany? So, I think here we are spearheading. Thoughts?