Orchid leaves -- how long do they last?

[cythaenopsis]

When my phal went from 6 flowers in the first bloom cycle I witnessed to 15 in the second bloom cycle, it did this on two large leaves and two smaller ones on top. I made sure it got plenty of light during the winter months, and in fact I let it get a little too exposed at one point; the flesh on one leaf revealed a slightly recessed brick wall pattern on it, indicative of too much sun. I was expecting the overexposed leaf to eventually die off, but it has continued to flourish. It has a nice green coloration to it.

Over exposed leaf:


There is a small leaf underneath it that is starting to yellow a bit, so I expect that one will eventually die off.

So, starting out with 4 leaves when I took ownership, it now has 8 good sized leaves with two new ones sprouting forth from the center.





I've seen some photos of phalaenopsis that had a huge stalk of leaves, leaving me to believe that the older ones can last a few years at least. What's the general recommendation on care for them? I would imagine the more leaves the better, as it gives the plant a chance to take in more nutrients. So, it wouldn't ever be advisable to remove any of the older ones, would it? If they're destined to die, just let them wither and then pull off when they can release with a gentle tug?