This time of year can be dangerous to plants. Old dead leaves, already infected with botrytis (grey mould), left lying (or hanging) around is a recipe for future disease trouble - especially when compost becomes over-wet. These should be removed as soon as possible. In fact, best remove them even sooner to allow air to circulate within the plant (stagnant moist air is the killer).
Plants do not need many leaves to flower well. In fact, as you have seen previously on the geraniums (pelargoniums), they seem to use just those surrounding the young flower stems. Perhaps the lower leaves have some value. But this is not significant. For the extra risk involved in keeping them on the plant, any potential reward is too small.
MAKE A BIT OF SPACE
You don't have to denude the plant. Just make a bit of space. This will also enable better access to the debris. A long pair of tweezers is also a good investment for reaching the awkward places.
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