If its factory then I'd re-install.
I think in some European countries they had to install the post to comply with some sort of gaming laws?!
I'm pretty sure the UK machines had to have it.
Can some one confirm this?

Cant say i remember it from when i lived in UK.. we played a lot of pinball back then.
Mind you it was nearly 20 years ago and there was a lot of drinking and smoking going on too, so my memory might not be the strongest point here