Remove lower pommel on BD Vipers?

I have the BD Vipers for all-around alpine climbing. On icier climbs the lower pommel is essential for pulling down on the tool, but on snow climbs I would like to plunge the spike end of the tool into deeper snow (i.e. piolet canne). The hook shape of the lower pommel catches the snow on the way out and makes for extra effort though, so on these climbs I would like to remove that piece. I'm referring to fixed pommel on the spike end of the tool, not the adjustable FlickLock pommel on the shaft above the grip. Has anyone done this, and could comment on whether it helps in this situation?

There is an illustration in the user manual that seems to indicate it's ok as long as the screw is replaced to prevent water and snow from entering. The illustration is a little hard to interpret without any accompanying text though, so I'm wary of starting to modify the tools.

I tried contacting BD about it but didn't get a response.

If you are talking about the lower pommel on the current production Viper ice tool as shown below then you are correct. You can remove the pommel by taking the small bolt out. You can leave the bolt with the pommel. No need to re-insert it into the spike. 

You will likely notice less effort to plunge the tool and it will catch less when removing it from snow with a crust layer. Go ahead and play around with it. 

Thanks Matt. Yes, that's the piece I was referring to.