I've played both Oblivion and Skyrim extensively, basically thru every quest and most of the DLCs. Outside of cases where I had to use it as par💜t of a quest, I have used Smithing in Skyrim once, and that was to improve the armor I wear. So I would not miss it if it was not there.

BUT, I agree with Dee, if it is♌ optional, then who cares ? And even if it is part of a coupl🍸e of quests, that would be fine. If you don't like it, don't use it. Easy Peasy.