Forward jumpers

[mikereed]

I have a 46' cat with a fractional rig that is supported by 2 sets of diamond stays on swept back spreaders with matching forward jumpers/struts and a set of jumpers at the masthead. The mast is held up by 2 shrouds and a forestay, no lower shrouds. Very similar to the older Fontaine Pajots. The mast is a fairly beefy section, 7 x 11" and 1/8" thick with thicker areas on the sides and front.

My question is, are the forward jumpers and struts really necessary? I understand that they prevent the mast from bending back, but I notice a lot of similarly rigged boats with lighter masts that do not have them. I would love to get rid of them as they add a lot of weight aloft and the leech of the jib gets hung up on them whenever I tack. On the other hand, it would be embarrassing to have the mast fold back into the cockpit. Any thoughts before I bust out the angle grinder?