Chesterton's Fence

If

We view legacy code/processes as "clutter" because we lack the context of their origin. The ego jumps to "simplify" by deleting what it doesn't understand.

Then

“You are forbidden from removing a "fence" (code/rule) until you can explain why it was put there — but put a deadline on the search. When it expires, take the fence down behind a flag, with a rollback ready, and watch what complains.”

Unless

Time-Boxed Archaeology — taken absolutely the rule removes nothing ever, because the reason is sometimes gone with the person who had it