Tough call on the front! Photo 2 has that really good wide base but there is reverse taper in the left trunk (at least the photo makes it look that way). Definitely a challenging viewpoint. Photo 1 is tough to compare since you've drawn on it (do you have the original unaltered photo available)? But that view doesn't show the strange taper issues. I assume you've also looked at all the other angles, are there other possibilities? Maybe rotating view 2 to the left or right would maintain that great base but change the perspective on the trunks to diminish that weird neck/waist? Base on view 1 is still good.
Or maybe it's the lighting in the photo.
Anyway, please let us know how this responds next summer if you do defoliate. I haven't tried that on mine yet.
Yes, if FRONT #2 is rotated you get away from the reverse taper issue. But as I mentioned before, my biggest problem is the very thick trunk that faces away from us. Perhaps not apparent in the photos but it is very bothersome as it doesn't help in conveying a sense of perspective.
I have gone through all possible angles and I believe FRONT 1 & 2 two are by far the best ones unless we are talking about butchering the tree, etc, etc and I am definitely not doing that.
Attached is a pic from two years ago of my preferred front without any draw-overs.
In terms of defoliation, Sal
@Tidal Bonsai brought his hornbeam to my place earlier this year. We performed leaf cutting on it as I have heard you should not ever defoliate hornbeams. So we went more conservative on his tree just to err on the side of caution. It responded beautifully with a new, full set of leaves in about a month's time. You must commit to it, because if you do not and apply the technique timidly the tree may not respond at all or with a weak second flush. From what I have seen and observed, I would dare and say that these trees will respond to FULL leaf defoliation without any issues at all. These are very strong, vigorous trees. I am referring to both American and European hornbeams alike. Korean I think may need to be approached with more caution.