ATP is extremely mobile. So, don't do that. Maximizing photosynthesis is what matters. That ATP is fre flowing. The reasons top areas get more growth is about apical dominance and not where the light hits the plant. Even shielded leaves are a net-positive to the plant. LEaves are the lungs, too. Above anything else CO2 is your limiting factor so inhibiting transpiration/respiration is not a net-positive
Don't remove leaves because others do it. remove it because it's causing standing water due to physical touching of othe rplant material of if it's in an extremely congested area etc etc.. Leaves are your friend. Defoliation without cause only reduces your outcome.