So I just took delivery of a new(to me) Merckx Team SC. Totally flabbergasted by the weight (or lack thereof).

But that's not the point of this post.

In the process of replacing the stem with one longer and lower, I noticed that someone had put a star nut in the carbon steerer instead of using the approved "expansion device". I know this is a MAJOR no-no, but it brings up a couple of questions:
1) Am I going to die a messy and embarrassing death when the fork inevitably and spectacularly fails?
2) Is there a relatively safe way to remove the star nut?
3) Assuming said removal could be accomplished, would the fork be safe to use?

Thanks
SP
OC, OR