It can be removed and replaced with a spacer or spring -- just like the mag disconnect can be removed and replaced (there is a OEM part, a spring, that fits in the gap -- although I ran mine for a while with a home-made spring after I took out the mag safety).

But... like others here... I have come to prefer using the yellow lever, even though it is not "necessary." You don't have to take out the pin from the heel of the butt to activate it -- S&W includes that instruction to show that you will always be able to do it with tools at hand -- because a pen will do.

And that step AUTOMATICALLY MEANS the chamber will be empty. What's not to like?

I helped clean up an incident after someone shot and killed himself with a Browning HP after mistakenly chambering a round and then "demonstrating" it was empty. And he was an experienced weapons sergeant -- who simply made a mental mistake. Using the yellow lever ENSURES the chamber is empty.

I like the little yellow lever.