In the past I've always tossed these things. But recently I put on a new rear wheel sans SP and now the RD is tinkling the spokes before FINALLY jumping to the big cog - I sound like Skippy the ice cream truck

I'll probably be removing this (5 speed) freewheel soon to replace it (6 speed) - do I really need to put a stinkin' spoke protector on??

BTW this is an old Schwinn Continental I'm resurrecting.