I was told that shedding is controlled by photoperiodism. The amount of sunlight per day that is absorbed by their eye. Weather can contribute to affect the start of this by having abnormally sunny or heavy overcast days, moon phase, clear nights...etc.
Small bucks have small pedicels and tend to detach much easier. The layer that attaches the antler to the skull will break down at a faster rate. Of course, deer are individuals and results may vary. I have heard of guys shooting shed bucks as antlerless deer in late seasons, although I have never seen this personally.
I have not heard of what you speak of, that is new to me.