Is the purpose of encapsulation panels ONLY to collect fluid leaks? Or do they also serve a significant function of protecting the car from road debris?

Reason for asking: want to leave off my 92 300D for a while to monitor leaks...but don't want to if I'm putting something at risk.

I know plenty of folks drive without them.

__________________
14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 159k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 178k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 145k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 75k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife