hmmm I kept mine
After clonking my wife on the head with the boom with an injudicious release of the topping lift I installed a boomkicker, works fine but I've kept the topping lift. I suppose I like the idea of having a wire attachment to the mast head for various possible uses, to heel the boat if aground, as a rigid attachment for a block and tackle, etc. I can't say I've ever used yet but I don't see the point in removing it. I haven't noticed chafe on the sail from the topping lift, I've got a standard Catalina sail with very little roach, though I have added full battens.