In this case that plate is serving a dual purpose as the chainstay bridge, and I think it is adding quite a lot of stability. IMO it would be a mistake to take it off.

I was just thinking about those things. My Clem has one, and while I don't at present need it for a kickstand, it seems like it stiffens up the frame. That bike has crazy long 22" (!!!) chainstays, yet it doesn't feel mushy at all. I was half thinking I need to braze one of those plates onto my PX-10! Maybe that would stop the powershifting.