Yeah I am sorry but if you are asking me to compare the buds through a pic you should try to keep the zoom and distance from the buds the same. not trying to be a dick but it seems the shaded bud would appear different since it is zoomed/framed differently.
And I have to agree with genuity I would still consider that canopy level in my garden or atleast close to it enough.
Everyone has there own ways. I dont cut the bottom braches off expecting a bigger yield. BUT the non main colas fill out more and it makes it as shit ton easier for airflow and watering. Not to mention I dont have to do a partial harvest to let the lower half reach maturity, dont have time for that shit. If she is done I chop her and have one to go in her place, so no time for partial plants in my flower tent because the bottom half wasnt finished.
Just my .02, flame me as you will.