Since no one else is stepping up I'll take a stab. I'm no suspension expert but if you'll notice at the ends of a coil spring the windings close up to allow the spring to contact it's seat evenly. This could let the spring rock, and, or ruin it's seat. Removing coils from a spring will also make it stiffer as there's less metal left to deflect. You won't know what spring rate you'll end up with by removing coils also.

My suggestion is to buy a top quality sport spring if lower and firmer are what you're after. I believe IPD's site, ipdusa.com, describes the drop you'll get with their springs. TME does too if my memory serves.

A suggestion I'll make to anyone lowering an 850, V70 etc. First thing you want to buy is a skid plate. New oil pans go for around $700. Besides potential engine damage from loss of oil, you don't want to be the best looking car parked on the shoulder.
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Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t