yes, not only that, but valvetronic is programmed by default to go to full lift in the event of a limp mode / failure. So if the eccentric shaft sensor failed the car would go straight to WOT.. not good.
You could use ITBs, of course - but think about that. If you're deleting the throttle, and installing ITBs, you still have a throttle.
Straight trumpets would be really easy, but there would be zero failsafe. I suppose you could reset the lift to max out at 1000rpm or something, but man that would suck if you were on the freeway or something.