why does the over center spring have to be removed

My centerforce diaphragm pressure plate requires very little foot pressure. I think the overcenter spring would actually disengage the clutch slightly if left in. By the way, Centerforce specifically states to remove the overcenter spring.

Exactly so. The over center spring "tries" to press the clutch pedal DOWN and helps release it. A diaphragm does not need as much pedal pressure, so the the over center spring detracts from holding pressure, and in some cases at high RPM, might prevent engagement and cause slipping

The spring has NOTHING to do with "where" in the pedal travel the clutch disengages / engages.