WWSD? What would stevie do?
Preamp covers

Do they do anything? I notice that theres a spring in them (rather stiff one). Does playing with them removed matter? Or are they just so that they dont get wacked and fall out?
# 1
I'm pretty sure they're just for protection, and to keep them stable from too much vibration. Unless you're playing with lots of volume, or moving the amp around much, or if they're mounted upside down, it should be ok to leave the covers off.
# 2