I just cut off quite a few branches from my trees. Basically if they didn't have any figlets they were gonners. I did this so that the figlets would get sun all day and are not covered by leaves and branches. I am in Zone 6.

Good idea or bad idea? will that do more harm or good?

Extra branches and leaves generally translate to more energy for the tree. Not so sure that a pruning at this point in the season is a good idea 

The summer cuttings are quite easy to root. If that was a good variety, you can root them or share...

From what I read, some light trimming to get more sunshine in can be beneficial.  Maybe Herman will chime in,
 email sent re cutings

I trim canopy accordingly in offseason when root pruning and all plants are inspected and cut as needed.
During season when pinching end buds off select limbs to limit figs so those ripen when any new shoots appear at that point or where not desirable they get rubbed off.

Depending on amount removed, and amount of sunshine and heat, it can lead to sunburn of the bark on larger limbs.