Should I remove some of the dense foliage as I start LST, or wait? Other suggestions appreciated!

Removing healthy leaves will just reduce your plants ability to produce energy, thereby slowing growth and potentially leading to smaller plants too. Your plant needs all her healthy, green, energy producing leaves to do their job so she can grow her fastest and biggest. I too would be inclined to wait with any LST until they are settled in their new, larger homes. Hope this helps,.......... Organoman.