[doug_hti]

yeah, i usually leave the breaths in on leads if there is a defined single lead part and especially at the begining of phrases to help create some sort of "lead in/pick up". It really matters as to what sounds more natural. I do take out breaths or drastically reduce the levels in the middle of phrases or in places where there is not a lot of open space.
I automate the volume of the breaths for a "natural" level, not too quiet, not too loud, and I DO usually take out breaths on bgvs....i usually make bgvs as clean as possible...and especially when your doing really "airy" bgvs, i tend to think of them as an instrument or a pad as much as anything.