Should I do a bit of defoliation and if so, when?

you can do it anytime, really... i do it selectively if i want to prevent stretchign of an important shoot. but, i'd recommend waiting until ~14 days into bloom, that way you do it 1 time, instead of multiple times and still get the same basic return when done well. this gives it 7-14 days to grow back a bit before all vegetative growth stops in bloom. Now, with an autoflower, that's a complete guess... but, roughtly 14 days before growth stops, still is best time. don't remove to omany from top, lie you said.. you want some light hitting lower portions so it doesn't have to truck ATP all over the place slowly.

You can, And i'd do it now unless your still planning on scrogging them out longer. This is a great way to do and help with everything you mentioned.. try not to take more than 20% of the fan leaves at one time.. Take the one's pointed inwards towards the stem of the plant and covering bud sites.. if it's not best to leave it be since they do power the growth of your plant. I did this with my girls and they have turned out great.. Check out my grow! Happy growing!!