1998 Dodge Caravan broken balance shaft chain

1998 Dodge Caravan 2.4 L 3-speed automatic. For the past several years and about the last 80,000 miles, the engine had some pretty embarrassing clatter when started. It would clatter any time it was idling, cold or hot but more so when cold. I know the clatter came from inside the engine because I removed all accessory belts a long time ago to test it and the sound was the same, coming from the bottom of the engine. There would be no clatter when driving or above idle. The past week I heard a new groaning sound coming from the engine and some major diesel-like clatter at idle. I suspected and discovered that the balance shaft chain had broke clean at one link, hanging there in the balance shaft assembly. The chain is very loose and limp. The balance shaft chain tensioner is also very grooved from the chain riding on it and probably slapping around before it broke. I only noticed what sounded like a small exhaust leak. I didn't see or feel any vibration from the engine. I have read online were people intentionally cut this chain, and nobody seems to have any regrets. I have two questions 1) are there any long-term effects for leaving the balance shaft chain off? And 2) should I remove the entire balance shaft assembly from the bottom of the block? The reason I ask is I'm not sure of any consequences with the oil flow/deflection that this assembly will have in the oil pan. I am worried that if I leave the assembly as it is with nonrotating shafts, the oil will pool in there, but if I take it out, will another issue arise? The balance shaft assembly has what appears to be slots for the oil to be shot out when the shafts are rotating. I really don't want to wait another week for parts to come in and I'm thinking if I remove everything I probably will not have any more clatter because perhaps the balance shafts and/or chain were clattering since the beginning.