Hi Shane,
If I understand correctly, even though you now have an abundance of foliage, you'll still be shooting for the 2003 look more or less? If that's right,
Actually there will be much more foliage than in 2003. Many branches will be shortened as new interior budding has gained enough mass. The foliage will be lightened through division of secondary branching. If the foliage were thought of as clouds, there will be many small little clouds rather than just a few large ones, very similar to the way I have seen you shape procumbens.
I also would do the same thing. For my taste it's important to show the full movement of the trunk, and especially at the first curve from the bottom up.
When the steps above are complete and the new front is chosen from the front left corner pictured the full potential of the trunk will be visable. Also if you view from the front left corner and invision branches shortened to expose the jins(on the right); the whole design comes together. Remember you are looking at a photo and the trunk that appears straight actually has a lot of character, see side photos.
The full foliage pic that seems to be hiding that bend, (pic#1) draws my eye straight to the long straight trunk below it.
If you look closely there are interior secodary branches coming in above where this branch may be shortened. This photo is slightly from above and the bend is visable at eye level.The 2003 pic shows a nice movement trunk with foliage that needs a little catching up, which is what happened in the two years since then. Will be nice to see it when it's finished.
Good Work.
Thanks for your comments and I hope this is helpful. This is a exciting tree to work and discuss.
Shane