The EGR increases fuel efficiency via allowing inert gasses into the chambers. This cools the chambers, allows timing to be advanced a decent amount, and allows injector pulsewidth to be pulled back. Yet it is not functional at WOT, so no WOT performance detriment.
The only reason I would remove it would be for aesthetics. And I would only remove it if turning off the EGR function in the computer. The resistor and plunger tricks are generally only to trick the CEL.
GT's have enough detonation issues without introducing another spot for more to creep in - If EGR is removed but the puter does not know about it, there is no inert gas diluting the mixture, while there remains more timing and less fuel (which would be proper if EGR was present).
Hmmm, seems to me that this is a reason GT's ping as it is.
Just my unpopular opinion.
NOTE that not everyone sees detonation at part throttle after EGR removal. But I would be prepared to deal with it, should it pop up.
Good luck.
I agree completely, the only reason I removed mine is because the tube wouldn't reach the intake after the new H/C swap, and I had to cut the pipe to get it off. But if you DO have a faulty EGR, and access to a tuner, then taking it off and deleting it from the computer shouldn't hurt performance or lead to detonation. Plus it's usually easier just to take it off than to put a new one on.
