As long as the fronts or even stems have green in them, they were feeding the plant. I used to cut off any lower fronds that had been beat up during winter until a local palm enthusiast told me otherwise.

I agree, if they are green keep them. I only cut off my fronds when they are brown, sometimes if the tips of the fronds get brown, I will cut the brown parts off to make the plant look a bit better without effecting the health of the plant much!
Palms dont like to be over pruned, but many are!
-Alex

Good to know. It just looks like the older fronds are hanging low and just don't look that healthy so I thought it wise to ask!