flowering problem. week 8

i am flower and it seems that the lower buds have swelled (the pistil sacks; for lack or a better word), and their hairs are about 50/50 red / white-yellow. The main cola is still growing and has new white pistils coming from it in multiple upward directions. The bottom buds look like they are ready to be harvested, but i have a few questions.

Can i cut off entire lower branches without F'ing up the flowering / budding process?

Why would the lower buds turn brown first, it seems its supposed to be the top ones...

Looking for the highest yield also, didn't know whether to cut the buds that look good and leave the main one to bud out more.. I really don't know what to do =[ Tried searching all over..

temps are L70-H85
reservoir is fine..
4 23W CFLS totaling 6,500 lumen's
1 plant, with 5 medium colas, and one giant main one.
LST'd
Day 58/59

Please help, don't know what to do and time is of the essence!

Get a pocket microscope from radio shack and you'll know whats ready and whats not, they cost $10.

can i cut off an entire branch / cola of "ready" buds.

also, do the buds get denser during the first day or two of drying also? using up the energy stored in the leaves?