I stopped doing it for the most part. Sometimes if I have a HUGE clone I consider it only after if it seems to be having trouble lifting itself. I honestly don't think it is neccessary most of the time.

Look at the CLone on the Right. Some people would cut those THREE lower Branches right OFF (no WAY)...

Recently I bought a 6 pack of snips and I was shocked they shipped them like 80% trimmed. I was so mad. I told them: Why not let the customer trim them to their own specs. I would not have trimmed these small clones at all. They got rid of all lower braches and trimmed every leaf at least 50-60%.

Not sure if anyone has done a proper side to side comparison. But one of these days I will. And I believe you will see Trimmed clones root NO faster and eventually get left behind their sisters...

But let's face it, if trimmed up clones root the same as untrimmed monster clones, then by the third week or so we know that every trimmed leaf is lost photosynthetic activity = lost growth.

Take a look at this current 3 clones Grape Gas. The one on the right has 2 more branches then even the textbook instruction of how many branches to leave! Why cut them look at how awsome this clone looks. I will say one thing though.

My trick is to always soak them for at least 24-48 Hours to open up the pores or whatever that allows them not to start WIlted for 24-48 hours!

P.S> I think it does help for BIGGER clones to have a slightly firmer woodier stem.
Grape Gas definitely has nice supportive Stem Structure and overall is a very fast Rooter!