I don't see a reason for it to be removed when it might be used in the future, there's a reason it hasn't been removed yet, the marksmanship/etc. kind of skills stay and noone complain although they aren't used at all and sweaters ask about them, however they might be in the future. Sure, you spend money on the influence gene, I spent three gene points on it myself when I first joined, I changed back, no harm done. I lost some money, and that might be a huge grief for some, regardless, when someone asks about genes/etc. just give them a heads up that the influence gene isn't used. It would be easier to just keep it around till later when it might be used.