I always clear the lower growth. I like my plants to focus on the bud sites towards the top to maximize the flower there. If the plants have dense foliage I'll also take off the fan leaves and only leave them on if it has naturally light foliage. Part of my thinking is lower leaves won't get light if the plant has dense foliage or I have a thick canopy. So their function to the plant as nutrient batteries will be lost since they will dies faster. I also don't want my plant putting energy into trying to repair those leaves. The side light will likely help beef up the mid level buds but the bottoms always end up small and lady. Not worth the nutrients in my opinion.