Defoliation, quick question

Hey all

I'm doing this closet (90x60x180 - 3x2x6) grow. Total 6 plants, 5 photos, 1 auto, under HLG QB 135w. Flipped to flower on 14/3

I'm growing every cola that has potential in the canopy. Topped all except the auto, some topped twice. Now it's getting crowded and I'm wondering if I should defoliate now or later. I have defoliated a little bit the obvious leaves. I'm also thinking about cutting some of the smaller tops to make room for others to be bigger where it is very crowded (like the top middle plant), is that a smart move?

This is the first time growing this many plants in such a small space, so I ask for your advice.

If you look at the picture, what would you do? Any advice is really appreciated

It's all a matter of personal preference when it comes to defoliation, and if you've seen the threads here, it can get nasty quick.

I don't think it looks too bad in there. From a biological/structural angle, the leaf is the powerhouse which turns light into energy for the flower, and provides a way for excess water to leave the plant.

There is debate about whether larger fanleaves are used as lower sources for veg Groth and node growth, and sugar leaves are used as a photo source for buds, but as science sees it, any leaf removed is potential energy lost to convert to flower.

There is probably times where it could come in handy, perhaps in times when stress can be advantageous. If someone has them lined up, I'd love to hear them, as I've only briefly looked into this.