I had a catastrophic mechanical last Saturday morning (at the furthest point from home - typical) when my chain picked up the plastic skid plate from my FD-R7000, got jammed in the rear derailleur cage between the two jockey wheels and caused my derailleur hanger to snap.
Anyway, I’m wondering if I have to replace the plastic skid plate on the FD. Is it an important part of the FD’s performance, or is it just to minimise wear on chain/derailleur plate? The FD is relatively new (600 KM) and has been trouble free since fitted with minimal chain rub, so I don’t think the adjustment was the cause of the problem. I’d rather not fit a new one (would be wary of the same thing happening again), but will if its important to fitting or adjusting the FD.