Leaf Trimming

What are your theories on leaf trimming and bud production? I am looking for opinions on why/not fan leaves and/or new leaves with tricromes on them should stay or be removed. I know that the leaves are energy producing "factories" for the plants but they also shade buds. Who thinks the leaves should be removed and why? Who thinks the leaves should stay and why? Are there any opionions on specific regions that the leaves should be removed from? IE: the fan leaves, lower leaves, or upper leaves that shade the buds. I want to remove my upper leaves so they expose the buds more, but these are the closest to the light. Then I consider removing the lower ones because all of the bud production is at the top...any thoughts?

Does nobody have an opinion on this...

a lot of people use plastic coated paper clips to just pin the leaves out of the way but I have not done so myself.

Peace
K-town

well... it depends on how you are growing... SOG/SCROG, soil, how far apart are your plants , how tall are they and yadda yadda. many variables you need to consider. for me since i do a SOG with the plants very close together, and very short, i should clip the bottom 3rd of the plant for air movement, i'm still in the prosess of doing this for the first time so i can't say much to much about it other than what i have been told. when growing 1 large plant it's good to trim it to be a 4 tip plant, leaving all fan leaves attached to the main stem and the branches that you keep. all others will be taken off. and of course you want to take of any severly damaged leaves, if left on they will attract pests and problems. but don't take what i say completely to heart, I am newish to this. -Cult

I do heavy training on my plants to keep them short and wide. If I got fan leaves blocking buds, I try and tuck them under a branch or another leaf. If that's not possible, I'll clip out a blade of 2 from the leaf to let the light through. If that won't help, only then will I clip out an entire leaf.

I try to keep as many of the leaves intact. As was said, they are the factories for the plant. Better to have 3/5's of a factory running than no factory.