Looks like they're getting it covered, your ideas certainly affect the growth(leaf removal, and nitrogen). And I would let them grow a while, but I like them I little strong as in couch-lock.

Another quess- some varieties will pack leaves at cooler temps(seen outdoors & in cooler tent), think it may be a protection thing. But nice sugar leaves are not all bad, make good bubble hash for sure. In some cases at least.