is this garbage necessary?

Actually this is what some of us have done, regardless of AC or not. If the dampers are working properly, they pretty much close off the flow of hot air, BUT the core is still hot......in the heater box.......in the car, so it's radiating "some" heat into the car
You can find the valves. I was able to find a NOS valve. It was pricey. Around $100. The problem is finding the actuator if yours is shot.