Early on growers think more is better. But with branches, the right amount is better.
Simplifying something that is complex and is not stationary - your climate, co2 and light (along with genetics) will dictate yield per sq ft. While too few colas can hurt yield, adding more beyond a certain point does nothing but further distribute the maximum mass the plant can produce per sq ft based on the environment it exists (relative to genetics).
2-3 colas per sq foot is all you need. Also, if you stay disciplined in canopy management, it'll avoid any need to defoliate. At worst you have to remove a couple select leaves that are causing some condensation or some specific reason and not just whimsically removing large amount of leaves. Defoliation is bro science. Only remove a leaf when it is going to cause a problem or elevated risk of a problem.
If you haven't already, now's the time to dial back nitrogen proportions of fertilizer. Remaining vege growth is going to end soon. Don't cease N completely, but 20-40% reduction is probably a good idea. Depends on how you fed prior, too... lots of ways to skin this cat. observe and react to the plant.symptoms as necessary. There's what 'should be' and what's happening in front of you... not always the same thing.