The coolant has a 100k mile lifespan, unless you can smell antifreeze or something or your finding a pink puddle everytime you move it, you really shouldn’t need to check the coolant very often. If you have found an issue with the cooling system then just leave the whole panel off until it’s resolved.

 

I have 160K Miles, and have already been through a Radiator and Valley Plate re-seal. And sometimes I might smell coolant. To add, the Coolant Change Interval (is "CCI" the term like OCI lol) drops to like 50k after the initial 100K change.

I think this is a no-brainier. If you feel you don't need it, then there is no need to modify it or worry about it. And I would recommend against leaving it off as it also controls airflow though the radiator, and will likely reduce airflow through the radiator while removed (exacerbating any issues with the coolant system).

 

... design caters to the "Luxury Crowd" that should not be bothered by such things ... being proactive is such a burden ... so having a dash warning is a more pleasant and civil way to find out that you have a problem (probably at the worst possible moment).

 

both covers direct air in a specific pattern, engine cover also spreads heat and redistributes sound. very very important for turbo equipped vehicles to increase their reliability.
when oem says 'life' it often means weibull parameter Eta which is when 63.2% fail.
can have issues which dont leave puddles or much for smell, someone mentioned exhaust earlier.
if you have correct tools, the clips wont be damaged. if they do get damaged, the aftermarket clips for that area are better than oem and you get like 500 for 10$.
in addition to checking the reservior level, use a refractometer to check freeze level.
if you cut holes you can get plugs for them to be less disruptive
should check fluid levels regularly. some warning lights can come on after an amount of damage has already accumulated, sensors can have issues, etc.