Some enthusiasts are into snipping most or all fan leaves that block light to buds. I find that even completely obscured buds come out nice and solid and think it does more harm than good to remove all of that energy production. It seems like the buds get more nourishment through their "veins" than they lose through blocked light. I try to let the plant manage itself in that regard.
What happened to that stem I wonder?
It looks as though there is still alot flowing through it. I'm guessing you made sure nothing undesireable is creeping toward your resevoir.