are brake dust shields necessary

I guess Im just lucky, cause my KH system has worked flawlessly for 15 years 125,000 miles, dust shields and all.And I live in the country, so lots of gravel driving.It was my 4-seasons DD for perhaps 5 years.I ran the 366M/T in summer, and a teenerA/T in winter.Those were the days!
Wet discs suck, allright.
Do you need dust shields?Probably not.Are they recommended?I think so.
Unless its a fair-weather only, occasional use car.Then fogedabowdem.
Just be careful not to overgrease your BJs.
And dont let the fan blow anti-freeze all over the rotors.
And make sure your PS lines, and brake hoses are in good shape.