I don't feel its necessary for the staking. It was probably some military requirement that wasn't actually needed from LPA. The pin's fit is tight, so there isn't much risk of it coming out on its own.
If you use a brass hammer or punch, it should prevent you from marring the NP3 finish.
It would be safe to say that removal of that pin is my least favorite part of tearing down an M4. Followed closely by the bolt extractor claw's pin.