Nice tree, I agree, keeping the tree strong is more important than needle pulling. If this is more or less the finished size of the tree, then refinement techniques will come into play. If you want to increase trunk diameter, or add more height, or significantly more width, then you need every needle to keep making food for growth. I'm assuming the main framework of your tree is set, and you are heading toward ramification and refinement. I would have potted it deeper, to bury the exposed roots. But that is my personal taste.
Now is a good time to get rid of downward pointing needles, and to select branches where you have clusters of branches. Some bud selecting can be done also.
Looks nice,