Some of the Maudiae types tend to grow as you describe so it might be just in the genetic makeup of the plant.
All the Paph. heads seem to have left this forum so that is probably why you have not had a reply.
I have a Paph. that exhibits this growing up tendency and i try to heap the mix up around the base of the plant. It blooms normally.

If i heaped up mix now, it would bury the lower leaves. It will be interesting to see if any of these taller growths bloom with more light, or if they just wait for new basal growths to bloom.

I'd say leave them, too. Paphs usually grow that one fan until they are blooming size and then will put out new growths, often simultaneously with a spike from the main fan. You might also want to look at other cultural aspects as well. I've found that Paphs in general love good humidity (mine just seem to be happier when humidity is constant at around 55-60%) and there's good air circulation, along with a 10+ degree drop in temperature at night.

Julie

These were being grown under ceiling fluorscents in a bathroom, well watered and humidified. Leaves look nice but no flowers. I'm sure they were reaching for light.

Um, yeah, I'd say that was underlit! As mentioned though, you might still notice the growing up tendency, but the gaps will not be quite as large and your friend might see some flowers with more light.