Hi,
Of course its your choice , but IMO more plants would help with cover for the fish - my tank has a lot more plants, I keep corys, tetra, harlequins and dwarf blue rainbows.
I don't think a lack of swimming space is or will cause you any issues.
Ok, but how would you determine there is enough algae to support a small group of as 8-10 ? my tank does not seem to suffer from excess algae.
Is there a way I can be sure they will OK in the tank ? (not starve or be underfed)