Can the back glass be removed entirely?

[ah06]

So since the back glass keeps cracking on the N4, I was wondering is it possible to just remove it entirely (either beforehand or once its cracked/shattered).

It seems to have only decorative purpose and there is still material behind it so the phone internals won't be exposed.

Would it affect the "glitter" effect? Is it needed for the light reflection pattern?

Thanks

 

[JeffDenver]

Nexus 4: How's that glass back holding up? - Page 43 - xda-developers

Instructions on how to do it. Looks involved.

 

[ah06]

I din't quite follow. How is it looking transparent by removal of glass? We can see right through the back and into internals there. The glass isn't the thing hiding that, should be the plastic beneath the glass....