The plants look great.
Just remember -
less leaves = less energy being made = less growth.
It really is that simple!
Besides, in a few days the branches will grow out from underneath those leaves, making their removal unnecessary.
Those branches will grow fastest when those leaves are left in place to do their job of making the energy that your plants need to grow those branches!
Try and only ever remove yelllow leaves, for by the time they are yellow, they have done their job.
The more leaves your plant has, the more energy it can make, which means it will grow faster and bigger too.
Hope this helps, Organoman.