The preview frame is also the primary means by which one would insert Quickdrive and Test Track assets, so I would not expect this functionality to be obsoleted. However, I would be all for an option in the "Settings" that would allow a user to remove this palette altogether.
I would expect, on the other hand, that new users are going straight to the palette to both preview and enter assets into Surveyor, as the Users Manual instructs them to do. CM will be quite intimidating to many users, and having to use this functionality, as useful as it might be to the initiated, could be discouraging to the new users. Unless they are accustomed to searching and filtering databases, they are going to face quite a learning curve.
I certainly believe that the discussion taking place is great, and I appreciate all of this input. I also think that there could be some significant improvement in this functionality without considering it obsolete.
What about the ability to undock this palette? This way you could move it where you want. What about allowing the palette to be set to hold only the assets you place there, dragged over from the CM; or the assets within the route/session plus the other ones you add? Then you could assemble just the assets that you want for your route, along with the assets already in the route.