Defoliation is only detrimental when done incorrectly. I've sat here and still sit here doing research on how and when to properly defoliate. Like I said, I defoliated it about a week ago right before buds started to form. It helps with the re routing of more energy to the bigger buds and not the larfy bs I don't want, ending in fatter buds and more yeild, not increased potency. Also, it's small-ish because it's a micro grow. I'm growing in a 2x2x4 tent so I don't want a giant 8ft tall monster. I have it under a 600 watt led running both veg and bloom. I'm also not looking to get "bag appeal" as it's for personal, not to sell. She's only in her first week of flower so she still has plenty of time to fatten up.
I like you! You're able to take a friendly poke, without over reacting. Nice reply too!
I do have to say that removing leaves is simply removing food factories!
The plant does not need the added light for producing and growing buds. You might remove some near the end (last few weeks or so) to add some light to some shaded area's for a better, more even ripening..
However, you do not grow in any form of "multi level" plant...
When you remove the food factories. The plant react's by sending more energy to repair and replacing those lost points of food creation.
I "see" too much removal...
Try a SOG in that space..... You'll kill any defoliated run, yield wise...
I mean it's just perfect for a SOG size wise! You could run 16 plants in 1 gallon pots. If you use the right strain, and the right lighting, feed, environment.
You could hit 480 grams easy peasy! Now if you did that with a 250w HID light (another easy)...You would have gotten 1.92 gr per watt..
Quality producing strain
16 plants
Flip at 8 - 10 inch's of total plant height.
In the end..
You're doing what works for YOU!
If it ain't broke? Don't fix it!
The SOG is a suggestion....