That boot is mostly to keep the oil, and water from the road getting though the bushing and innto the tunnel. It is a challenge to get it into place, but yea, you really should have it in place. Porsche engineers and designers put it there for a reason. The bean counters would leave it off it was not important.
The other choice is put a "diaper" of paper towels under the boot and change it every oil change.
Just get one corner started over the firewall opening, and hold one finger on it, then pull the rest of the boot over that lip. Cussing a drinking a beer helps, and might be vital!
