Who has told you or where have you read that 'his presence has been barely felt'? Or is this another assumption? I don't know what he's done while at the club - but if Patrick wants him there, then he must have value.
Yes - because he has so many links to people in football. For example - If we need a new manager (hopefully not for a long time) or looking at potential players then Maurice will get the inside info on them. Having someone at the club that has these links is vital.
We've got a scouting network and a Chief Exec. Potential new owners (already in football) coming in. Think we're right. Oh, and the contracts you've been vocal about were structured under Maurice's tenure.
The rumour is that we are to be taken over by foreign owners. Wouldn't it be highly beneficial to the new owners if they had people on board that were highly respected and well known in the English game? That's unless of course - they will be bringing a person in that can fill that role. But it must be said that it's going to be difficult to find one better than Maurice.