I was told that the slower you let it dry the better. So I think people leave the leaves on during drying is to keep it wet longer. This is actually really important if you live in a super dry place like me.
20% humidity. And around 10 Degrees in the summer. Stuff drys fast for half the year.
I think cuting the fan leaves off and leaving the bud leaves on for drying is the best. Then right before the bud leaves dry up to the point that they are going to be a bitch. I cut those off too. let it finish drying. And put in jars.
It's important that you hang the whole plant during this process as well.
From the bottom of the stock. So it drys as slow as possible.
Thats my opinion.

Also, I don't mess with the stems. But 30 % of the THC in the plant is in the leaves.:thumbsup: