VPI HW-19 Mk IV platter

Hello,

My VPI HW-19 MK 4 turntable is the model that has those three balancing screws around the spindle hole. It's a devil to adjust each one to level the platter, especially if my platform is even slightly off level.

So the other night I simply unscrewed them all out and now the platter is resting directly on the spindle and is nicely level. Before, it was the screws themselves that rested on the spindle, distributing the platter's weight between them.

I haven't noticed any change in sound - if anything, there's a smidge more bass. My FT3 arm is still parallel to the platter, so I haven't had to adjust the angle at all. My question is whether removing the three balancing screws is damaging to the spindle or to the table?

Thank you,

s