I've been back and forth on this issue. Currently I say leave the leaves. I cut less leaves off than I have in several years recently and i like what i see. More side branches became top like buds. I'm not so sure about the penetration thing anymore. But, everyone's genetics and styles are different. Other than the first 2 weeks of flower when I am getting lower branches to grow up out of shadows ,I leave the leaves from here on out. My selected genetics branch well... might have something to do with it.
I think on a super dense plant, like deep chunk, when you grow indoors you almost have to remove leaves and even bud sites closest to the main stalk. If not you get a pale leafy mess and likely bud rot or PM. Maybe you could overcome this with a light rail instead?... Different plants, different growers, different things work.