Theoretically software reboot shouldn't cause failure called WSOD since in n770 there is no change in voltages supplied to linear regulators. The only change is probably the state of V18 port (1.8V from "RETU") which starts power ON sequence. If there's no failure in power supply - everything should work as designed.
Keep in mind that power sequece based on SHUTDOWN inputs of LDO's is rather low quality solution for starting LCD's so probably "no one knows for sure".
There were posts about WSOD after powering ON from the switch (which in facts is the same process since power button is not a hardware solution).