Why would you cut something the plant is using to absorb energy? I understand the reasoning for some people is to do this to increase the light exposure to the lower parts of the plant though that can be addressed by tying and tucking leaves rather than full out removing them.

When talking about clones, yes you want to do this to reduce how much plant material is on the clone as this can cause the foliage to require more hydration to stay healthy.

I've always been a strong believer of leaving the plant to do its own thing while trying to provide it as stress free of environment as possible.

Don't forget that the plant will shed the material it does not need anymore as it progresses further and further into a later flowering cycle.

hope this helps,
Bob.