hmm $15 for an aluminum one with SS screws plus shipping. I think the cheaper way is to take it off and cut off the lever and put it back. but then again Im not worried about ounces, just anoyed by the tapping sound it makes because there is no gas in it. I could also just run a chunk of hose between the in and the out for that too. Of couse once I found what was causing the noise I stopped worrying about it all together.

 

The only reason I can think of for an everyday driver to use the blank plate is for avoiding the problem of the diaphragm cracking and leaking vacuum into the crankcase and throwing off the PVC system. But the hose from out to in as you suggested would take care of that concern.