Well, as far as a bad move... could be, I don't know. I do know that I asked for others to respond and let the rest of us know what damage we are doing or not. My cousin seems to think that clipping off leaves is a good thing, you don't.

I will admit that the plants are shorter than what I had expected. But, they are a Hydro grow that was pushed quickly to flower, way too soon before they were ready. The lower buds are developing very well as well as the cola. And, from what I'm seeing at 17 days is nice.

The next grow I will still trim some of the leaves on some of the plants and not on some.
Time to learn from experimenting.