America Fork Shrouds

Hi, I want to slim down the front end a bit and wondered if the shroud covers on the America are there for cosmetic reasons or actually provide a mechanical function. I don't see how the bottom shrouds would be but maybe the ones between the yolks could be but I know the yolks tighten on the actual forks and not the shroud gap filler???
any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Doug

 

I did post it in this and the techies forum

 

That's it then, they're coming off and we'll see how it looks...!

 

Well when I have done it I will post some pictures so you can determine if you want to go down this route.