Hi guys -- sorry probably a bit more appropriate for the mods thread but this one gets a lot more traffic and I'd like to finish this install ASAP... just a real simple question.

Should I remove the plastic piece in front of wear the air flows in or not? I noticed on the RPI scoop install DIY they do not have anything .. you can see their picture here:



Whereas there appears to normally be a piece of plastic there -- presumably to keep large objects from getting in? Is there that much of a risk to anything by removing this piece? On the flip side.. does having it there have a drastic impact on the effectiveness of the scoop? Here's what it looks like (courtesy of iphone):

 

Sorry picture is rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise from where it should be.. just tilt your head to the left and you are basically looking at the same view as the RPI picture (only with that plastic grill looking piece over the hole).

 

Some people have and seen no difference in performance. I keeps the rats from crawling in there and nesting.

 

thanks I just left it on and was done with it.. can't say I really notice the difference but good to know it's supposedly there