4 speed hump/swap question

Alright, one more question lol. So HYPOTHETICALLY (doesn't mean i would do it), is the hump only for covering the shifter and making it look nice and all that, or would the floor be weakened if there was a hole where the hump would be? I know that there has to be clearance for the shifter and the shifter rods (hence the nessecary cutting in the tunnel), im just wondering if the hump is just for looks or also the integrity of the floor. Thanks