Yes it does get in the way, when I first got mine after catching the blade in it every time, and getting bits of small wood trapped in it, from trying to use a vac to collect dust, I peeled it off, if need be I can make a new one and I think I still have it somewhere, double sided tape will stick it back on. I rather just get my small shop vac and clean up the sawdust from time to time and let the small bits of wood fall through.
Overall the EX is a great saw I love mine.