From memory:
Ivory already connected to Gau is a big help.
If we chop the Workboat, we can do a fair amount of 2 pop whips in Gua.
Growing to size 4, we'd have the 1 anger from Granary whip since the Worker whip anger wore off.
The 1st sword chariot combo produced can garrison Gau to help with happiness to produce the next 2 pop whip.
Adopting Taoism powers the next 2 pop whip.
Anger wearing off? powers the next 2 pop whip.
The improved fish allows us to constantly reach size 4 as fast as possible.
Giving the city away at size 3 means it works 3 good food tiles as soon as we get it back.
It is totally worth it to chop that Workboat and play chicken with the barbs.
1 pop whipping the Workboat is a lost opportunity for a lovely 2 pop whip later.
Plus, every time we give away a Size 3 city we lose 13
at minimum, so there's always a cost to remove all city anger beyond diplomacy considerations.