Debris or Heat Shield Removal

[Pinspector]

We have a 2008 M35 and a 2010 EX35. Both have a plastic debris or heat shield under the engine compartment. I know it's there for a reason, but it certainly makes oil changes a pain. So, my question is: has anyone removed the shield and if so, has there been anything bad that's happened?
For many, many years cars have not had a debris shield under the engine. I can't see how engine cooling would be effected by its removal. Any insights would be appreciated.

[wingFeather]

Held in place by screws. Only four screws need to come off in the M for an oil change - it really isn't that much of a hindrance.

[DeanM45]

It is definitely there to aide in cooling. Any air that comes through the grills is forced through the radiator and allows for a static (or lower depending on design) pressure area behind the radiator (engine side) to pull air through at speed. Older cars had an airdam usually bolted to the bottom of the radiator bulkhead to somewhat accomplish the same function. In the M's case, a 2 or 3" air damn under the radiator would scrape all the time.

[Pinspector]

OK, I should have noted the other reason for my concern. Maybe it's just me, but whenever I take the M to have an oil change (except at the dealer) I have to crawl under the car to wipe the drips. Oil change yesterday and I had to wash down the debris shield (from top) in order to get all the sloppy oil off. I'm amazed at how many "grease monkeys" are too lazy to remove the shield to change the oil.
I changed oil myself a couple times, but at about $20 to have it done.....well, maybe I'm just getting a little lazy.

[autoengr]

I have removed belly pans from cars and added undercladding when it wasn't there before...

It keeps the road mess off of the engine just like it keeps the engine mess off the road.
The pan on my G35 (still there) is just as much of a pain in the butt as the one on a Passat I used to own (removed). That Passat motor got filthy. G35 is still "clean" after 10 years of service.
The risk of debris damage from removal is relatively minor. Could happen but low odds.
There is a fuel economy benefit from keeping the belly pan. That's why I added the hybrid model undercladding onto a normal civic I used to own. The fuel saving were small but would have added up over time.

[wingFeather]

I'm amazed at how many "grease monkeys" are too lazy to remove the shield to change the oil.

If they are doing it right, they shouldn't have to remove the shield completely. The shield has a flap that bends out of the way.