Originally Posted by cooker
Leave it on. It's harmless, may help you if the derailleur isn't adjusted right, and if some people are offended by it they will have to live with it. You're not riding to impress snobs. Plus, it's not easy to take it off without damaging the spokes.
I agree. It's really no big deal and offers some level safety. No one in the real world really cares if you have one or not.