Maximum amount of healthy green leaves = maximum energy production = maximum growth.
It is that simple.
Besides, if your plant did not need those leaves, it would not have grown them in the first place!
You are far better to do some light, well considered "lollipopping" of small inner growths than you are to implement any major defoliation.
Your plant needs every healthy green leaf it has, to make the energy she needs to grow her biggest and best flowers.
"Tucking" or repositioning leaves is also a more wise technique than defoliation.
Hope this helps, Organoman. (and anti defoliation psychopath!)