I put a 'phantom' shifter lever on on the left side DT of my 1 x 8 conversion (have a bar end on the right with cable stops)
I'm waiting to find something decorative to screw in there at some point. I like my bell right where I can ring it on the stem (I use it about every 30 seconds on the paths around here). I didn't care to reach down to switch gears... I didn't see myself reaching down to ring the bell BUT it is totally cool at the left side shifter position.

I'm with the others. Don't grind it off. One never knows when it will be repurposed BACK to a front DER changer.

By the by... my LBS gives me down tube cable stops fer free.... guess they pull them off so many bikes that they have baskets full of them. Just ask yours.