Main reason for pruning/defoliating should always be opening up the plant for better air flow and light penetration, as long as you achieve this without taking too much off, consider it a success lol
Looks good indeed! What I would do myself is about a 7-8 inches up the plant from the soil, and defoliate all the small larfy branches and leaves but wait to do this, let your plant heal a week or so. then do this in prep of flower.