The leaves weren’t an issue at all. The plant wasn’t using them to photosynthesize at this point it was using them as energy sources to continue trying to finish its growth and maturation process.
These plants swell up significantly the last 2-3 weeks AFTER the stigma turn reddish and shrink. They add bud density at this point which is part of what helps ensure a nice slow dry and good flavor. They also pack on resin and terpenes the last few weeks.
Unfortunately cutting plants 2-3 weeks early will reduce the yields, and overall quality. In the future I would keep that in mind.
It’s really easy to harvest early and basically ruin a crop.
It’s nearly impossible to harvest plants “too late”. I’ve Never seen someone harvest a plant “too late” on accident, it takes weeks of ignoring the signs the plants are giving you.