Hey man sorry I missed this!
in regards to your question about lollipopping, I usually almost always remove the first one or two sets of branches, but generally this is because we grow many together, they get crowded out, become under developed so we focus on the upper half of the plant. I recommend to do this 100% in AF-sog arrangements, and it's never had any ill effects to do so!
however given the structure of your plant and the fact there isn't much difference in height between the lower branches and the top cola, I don't see much major concern to do so.
Cheere and keep up the good work!
mitch