Depends on what you plans for it are...
I often remove the lowest couple branches quite early, but i know they never are relevant in my canopies late in bloom.
Nothing wrong with short, as long as it's popping new nodes and growth is increasing each day with a larger canopy and roots.
Whether you top or LST is more about timing and how large you plant to grow it. Shorter period of time and those lower nodes are relevant again.
I'd wait for ~7 nodes before topping. I also like to see the auxiliary buds start to grow before doing so. At that point i'll remove the top and even the top 2leaves after that, if i have good auxiliar growth underneath. Early on i don't remove the lower leaves much.. airflow is more important for bud development than branches/nodes/leaves. solar panels in the light and storage facilities when they are blocked.. leaves serve a purpose even though we cut some off. make sure the benefit is worth it.
If you want more internodal space, move lights 1-to-4" further away and see how it reacts.