I used to take them off...
Now, I leave them on.
I think that, if money were no option, I would buy a ton of cellos and store all my sticks that way, including those that are sold without them.
I'm collecting some old Padilla cigars (Achilles) that were sent without cello from the maufacturer... as time goes on, and things in my vinotemp get shifted, these sticks tend to take a beating on the foot and wrapper... this wouldnt' be a problem to the same extent if they had cello when they came from the manufacturer.
There is one lone exception to the 'Cello ON' rule, and most Fuente Hoarders will agree with me. Arturo Fuente Anejos shoud be stored WITHOUT CEDAR OR CELLO, as these sticks grow mold very easily...