Throttle Position Sensor

Nope, not a bad idea. When you removed the TPS, did you also remove that screw on the center of the throttle plate? If not, then that would explain why you broke it. I'm pretty sure that screw holds a stem on the end of the TPS. I believe it enables the TPS to adjust while the plate turns.

You have to depress the pedal slightly due to the TPS not sending a signal. Therefore, the engine is currently adjusting air/fuel parameters via the MAF sensor. The MAF and TPS work together. It may seem like you are getting better fuel economy and that it has a little more power. It may be, but then again, it may be just a slight difference in delay. It's probably dumping in more fuel due to the missing TPS and increased airflow. It is also probably leaning it out a little during freeway driving since the throttle is at a constant airflow.

I have ran my engine this on several occasions...on purpose. There is a delay if you mash the throttle at a stoplight or out of a turn. It has bogged down a couple times simply because no info about TP was being sent. It wont hurt, but I would still use the TPS just as back up, and also just in case you have emmisions testing.