If you had unlimited amps to use, then a setup of continuous +-+- would produce best I'm pretty sure. But adding neutral plates drop amps, splits volts(but so does adding plates), and reduces heat. They don't produce as much, but the do produce. They are powered by the electrolyte in the water. I think the ideal plate config for a single cell is +NNNNN- because the volts per plate is evenly split, and the neutrals drop heat and amps. If you want to extend it, -NNNNN+NNNNN- would be a good series option.
1995 Chevy Camaro
17 MPG base city/highway
Listening to Van Halen