On the other hand, if the particular leaf is not getting enough sunlight, than its not a solar panel at all but just a nutrient silo which the plant will get rid of as soon as possible.
Outdoors, as mentioned in the quote, not touching the leaves is the best idea imo too. Mostly because the movement of the sun will distribute light very effectively to every leaf and bud site, talking about dli.
However, indoor gardening may utilize some unorthodox techniques like defoliation to create an even light distribution or just to avoid pests or fungal problems. Because as i said, the leaves that doesnt get much light will wither and die and when they are withering and dying, they will become susceptible to these problems too. Plus better air flow is just a bonus to even further the usefulness of light defoliation.
After sharing my views, i can tell i dont like to defoliate much myself. If needed i take couple of leaves off. Your canopy is bushy, it is unlikely that you own a quantum meter but at least utilizing a lux meter could help you make this decision but if i were you, i would do a strategic defoliation to let the light penetrate thru to my lower flowering sites and leaves. I don’t think taking the lower ones give any boosts to the plant, at least not ime.
