Who takes it out and who doesn't?

When I sold to private buyers and they knew my put-up id leave it in.

Now I mainly sell at auctions so I take it out.

I take it out of every fox and coyote. Doesn't take long at all and in my opinion offers a better looking finished product.

I take the cartilage out of all canines and my cats . When I put them on the board I pin the ears out on cardboard then when I flip them I pin them up flat towards the eye holes. I feel like it makes for a better, more neat presentation and I don’t have to worry about the potential for slippage. My fur buyer has always praised the effort and I want to make the best end product I can .

i know they recommend it at FHA

What is the easiest method of removing it?

I take it out when I'm skinning if I have time or at the put up.

I dont remove it just because it gives the ears a more rounded and better look imo, however easiest way I have found is a screw driver inserted between the cartridge and hide and slowlyyy pulling down to remove it. If you go to fast you will rip the ear in half.