The springs are there to facilitate wheel changes. Without them the QR skewer slides side-to-side and can get in the way...this is not normally a problem for the average cyclist who is not changing wheels under pressure but for race team mechanics who are trying to get their riders moving in as little time as possible the skewer getting hungup on the frame can be a source of frustration and a slower wheel change.

Since you mentioned you are riding a rear wheel with freewheel as opposed to a freehub/cassette...check to see if your real axle is broken as this could be a possibility for the problem.

-j