It's really hard to give meaningful direction to anyone by looking at 2D pictures, H. When I looked at the first picture, it looks like the fat branch that moves back to the right definitely wants to be a part of the end composition because it's movement and taper APPEARS to contribute to the flow. The long stretch of a straight branch to the left (first picture) looks too long and too straight, but when I look at the second picture, I can't even see how it relates to the first, so ......

I CAN say that you need to eliminate some of the fat branches low on the plant (come spring) so it leaves you with some taper, and if you intend to use the branch, those areas that have more than 2 branches emanating from the same point or very close to the same point need to be cleaned up so they are only bifurcations (forks), not trifurcations (like a trident) or whatever comes after that, which would a busy-looking clump of branches all growing from the same spot.

Lol - I love problems like this, but hate it when it's not a hands-on thing where you can discuss multiple options and weigh the amount of time it will take to bring the ideas to fruition. Frustrating .....

If you look at the second picture, it looks like there are 3 main branches that make up the left side. I THINK the fat branch in the middle has to be cut nice & flush to the trunk so it's gone completely. And in case you need to use it in your end composition, make sure you clean up the first clump of branches on the forward growing branch off the right fork (second picture). I/m sure you'll get some buds breaking back on all the branches so you'll have lots of choices available that will favor a nice looking plant.

I can see you have some mondo root issues, just by what's growing on the surface, so it's good you plan to start working on that in spring. There is no question you can build a really nice tree out of what/s now growing above the soil line, but it's what you can do with the roots that will make or break the tree in the eyes of a judge. We all strive to make our trees as nice as they can, but as long as you're able to enjoy them and feel good about your progress, they're all beautiful ...... and still full of potential, as long as they're healthy.

Take good care.

Al