Hello, I've had this ficus for many years now with the aim of creating my own humble bonsai. It was originally 3 small plants that I helped fuse together. I downsized it's pot last year which gave it quite a shock and is why it looks a little rough right now, but it's bouncing back.

So I've been thinking more about where it's going next and realised that I need help. Does anyone have any advice as to which branches to eventually cut back. It's developing some reverse taper so I've accepted that it would have to be quite drastic. My initial thoughts are to have the first image as the front and keep only the main foremost branch. There is quite a lot going on in the centre though.

Hopefully the pics are ok and someone can help. I appreciate this tree probably looks like a hot mess but it means a lot to me. Thanks.

Something like this;

Personally, I'd give it more time to recover before doing anything drastic.

Thank you. Another full year would you say?

Do any of the current branches look usable or would I need a full trunk chop?

If you care for it properly, it should be healthy in summer. Healthy meaning, growing all over, backbudding etc. Now it is not healthy.

Yes. It has lost a lot of leaves and branches sadly.
I'll come back in the summer!