just remove it. if you find that you don't like the added mess from too much chain lube, or the mucky splash from wet riding put it back on. Its just a chain guard, easy on easy off. I am a fan of removing everything that is unnecessary unless it functionally helps me in some way. My bike is not ridden in the rain often and only when its unplanned. When I lube chain it sits overnight, I don't spray it all up and then take off. Also, on O-ring/X-ring chains you are only lubing the chain to prevent rust and keep it clean, it does not need much oil on it. If guys are seeing chain oil flung all over the place they are over lubing the chain (unless they ride in wet conditions a lot and need to constantly be spraying it)