I have the same tutorial on msgstuff forums too, which deals directly with those other elements.
The reason we don't remove the ads by default or have a visible option to do so, is that it's showing consideration and respect for Microsoft for providing us with the client for free in the first place, and it is Patchou's wish not to promote removing the ads or anything to possibly upset the messenger team (or anyone at Microsoft in fact, (except maybe the xbox division
))