I personally take mine to 8 using every third.
I would leave everything on plant to create the most photosynthesis as possible.
Then I top and take the lower two sets of branches off , leaving the leaf until I feel comfortable enough to have again the canopy to make it grow, then I might look at taking some remaining leaves.
I have mine to 8 and still have my branch leafs on.
Mind you I think I could take them.