Missing keyboard/trackpad cable cover, how important?

My recently purchased used MacBook Pro (model A1286, early 2011) does not have the keyboard/trackpad cable cover (the metal plate with the holes in it) shown in step 15 of this trackpad replacement guide; apparently it was not reattached the last time it was removed. (It is also shown in step three under the index finger and in step 4 above the index finger.)

How important is the keyboard/trackpad cable cover, or what exactly is its purpose?

Is it strongly advised to get a replacement, or if not possible, is it important enough such that I should make one myself? (Assuming I can borrow a friend's [not sure I know anyone with a MBP...] to use as my duplication/fabrication guide)

If it would normally rest snugly on top of the connectors (meaning: no gap under the cover,) then I could speculate the purpose is to prevent the connectors from detaching.

But with mine not having the cover, there's no way I can check it... (Again, not sure I know anyone with a MBP I could look inside.)

Barring a definitive answer on the basic question of how important it is, could/would anyone who already has the bottom cover of their MBP removed for other reasons, please check if there is a gap under the cover?

Thanks, Wex