m0useanswered grow question 23d ago Yes. You did not really need to do anything IMO. Just a bit of LST and even then still could get away with nothing.
I feel a lot of growers like to do things just cuz we can, defoliate, flush, exct. when really just leave well enough alone and it would be fine.
Defoliation is useful to increase airflow to lower parts of the plant. it should only be done with no light from the top is hitting the base of the tent floor for maximum light utilization. Removing leaves takes away the plants ability to make food and grow. its retarding it. some plucking of leaves like if it up against a wall and getting wet is good to avoid potential WPM. but that is not the same as a full blown defoliation.
Its not game over. it just was not needed. Learn and move in. Good your asking as it shows your currious and want to do better.