First of all.
Removing your EGR was the best thing you ever did? Really felt those ponies kick in after that eh? All the way to the floor and almost couldn't control it I bet?
The EGR does not remove any noticable amount of HP. Actually it is commanded shut when at WOT and a number of other conditions. I can see where the simple mind would find it easier to remove it if it causes problems rather than fix it(hope it doesn't burn when you pee).
Once your right!(somebody write that down)
The amount of hydrocarbons that the EGR removes is minimal to say the least! Damn those tree huggers pushing such things on us, BUT the amount of recycled exhaust DOES lower the combustion temp. below 2500 degrees F, and prevent the creation of NOx or Oxides of Nitrogen. Theres your facts! I'll leave the proof puddin' up to you.
As for damage down the line....
The car is designed to operate WITH this system, adjusting long and short fuel trims, base fuel maps and ignition timing to work at a maximum efficiency. With out it the combustion/cylinder temps go up, in turn so do exhaust temps, aaaaand in turn so does the catalytic converter temp. At that point the rhodium and platinum can become brittle and collapse. Now you do have a high restriction in your exhaust, and can help to hurt head gaskets. We have been through this before though. So is it those damned tree huggers catalytic converters fault, or the moron that took his EGR system off.
Must be the converter, Manufacturers just threw that on there so they could write off those millions of dollars in research and development.............
If your going to try to help some of these people then at least know what you are talking about, and point them in the right direction, instead of what you would do and "It's worked so far" kind of thinking.
Ray