Pulling plants apart, IE low stress training outdoors, has been discussed. The topic was defoliation, and if it's ever a good thing. Like assholes, everyone will have an opinion on this one, and my opinion was stated above.
When I see some degree credentials from a university where you got your Ag degree, I'll bend (come on, you know you like the pun), but until then I'm a firm believer in removing leaves that do not contribute to the surface area of a plant and inhibit airflow. Letting them die off naturally is not what I want to do as a farmer, I want to beat nature to the punch so she isn't wasting her time or mine.
Larf, littles, etc etc occurs just as much outdoors as it does indoors. Removing smaller branches and thus leaves in the early stages of plant growth can help prevent that, while also helping with mold.
once again, just my .02. It's the internet and we're all experts.