Suggestions on defoliating and topping?

i wouldn't remove any leaves at this point. that'll only slow you down -- not an opinion. Do you intend to use any of the stuff you listed. if you know those lowest 2 branches won't be used in the canopy, cutting them off is fine. i never use the axial buds from lowest growth node with the 1 finger leaves. i cut those off as soon as i they are large enough to safely snip off, because i know 100% that is wasted resources on growth i don't use. Even when i train those fckers to be dominant branches and even with canopy they have sucky buds by comparison to other colas in my experience. the leaves power growth, not getting light to hit axillary buds. how easily they branch out is more about genetics. When you see heavily shielded axillary growth and tucking/bending isnt' enough, sometimes removing a leaf is useful. Try to wait until whatever is filling that space is large enough that you don't create large holes in your canopy.. light completely missing the plant is not effective use of electricity and only slows growth with less potential photosynthesis per day. Remove the leaves when other leaves are congesting an area and you are getting potential condensation and such... or the RH is spiking too high in those areas. Don't remove them just because you see others doing it. i made that mistake plenty when topping and training early on.