Just cut the damn things. From the pictures it looks like, even if one goes sideways or comes back on you, that there's plenty of open space and room to run. No wires or buildings close?
The only thing I'd ad is to keep looking up, especially when you're wedging...lots of winter-brittle limbs on those trees and the area of the canopy is huge.
And what Clearance said about bucking is spot on. With that many limbs you're going to have a lot of wood off of the ground. Limbs under compression or tension can bite you real quick. Falling is just part of the job...a lot of guys get hurt bucking, too.
Have fun...be careful. Let us know how it works out for you.