Some spoke protectors don't even do the job they're supposed to! The plastic ring type doesn't protect the spokes down on the hub. The pie-dish type are better. If you want to be cool and protect your spokes and hub at the same time, try a CD. Be even cooler by using a CD from your fav performer. Shiny side faces away from the cogs. You may have to enlarger the hole for it to fit on the hub.

I find I keep forgetting to put the protector back on after cleaning or changing the rear cogs.

If removing a good protector forever, remember to make sure your limit screw on the rear derailleur does in fact stop you from overshifting and jumping the chain off between the big cog and the spokes. There's nothing like discovering you've overshifted in the spokes -- your pedalling come to a sudden stop, there's a chance you've twisted the chain, and the other damage can be very expensive -- spokes, wheel rebuild, possibly new hub.

Don't ask how I know.

FWIW

R