I have a sunken living room, only one step down, the dining adjoins with a railing on the dining room level.?

I am getting hardwood put in the dining room and leave carpeting in the living room. I would like to get rid of the railing when the new floor is put down but I am wondering if it was put there for looks or safety. Its only one step down. I think it makes the space look smaller and its the big bulky oak spindles. With the dining room table and chairs bordering the sunken living room do I need to fear someone leaning back on the chair and falling in??? I know it sounds stupid but I am trying to think of every possible scenerio. When a chair is pulled out it would be about 12inches from the edge. Help please I don't want to make a mistake because once that railing is removed it will be destroyed. The railing is 81 inches long with another 6 feet that is already open.