I've had a few Schwinns, but actually the chainstay bridge problem I mentioned was on a Centurion and was more of a cosmetic issue on that bike. But as for your Schwinn, good grief, look at that big ol' plate!
Seriously, think of it as a good thing; as I said it's bound to stiffen up the chainstays some. It's handy if you ever add fenders, and if you cut it off, what have you done, maybe saved a couple of ounces? I'll admit I've never liked kickstands all the way back to childhood, but that plate's not hurting a thing-
