David,
You only have to use it if you install it. But if you
install it then the boat has already floated. You must use
it. But you can remove it.
See the following white paper from Microsoft:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/a/9/c/a9c0f2b8-4803-
4d63-8c32-3040d76aa98d/GPMC_Administering.doc
"Upon completion of the installation, the Group Policy tab
that appeared on the Property pages of sites, domains, and
organizational units (OUs) in the Active Directory snap-
ins is updated to provide a direct link to GPMC. The
functionality that previously existed on the original
Group Policy tab is no longer available since all
functionality for managing Group Policy is available
through GPMC. "
"To repair or remove GPMC, use Add or Remove Programs in
Control Panel. Alternatively, run the gpmc.msi package,
select the appropriate option, and click Finish."
Todd Brown