What is with the LES.

[MGCJerry]

LES -> Decoupler -> Lander can.

As far as ditching the LES, here's how I do it. I add the LES engine, and its decoupler to my toggle solar panels action group. Hit the button and it takes off into oblivion and my solar panels open. I typically do this between 65-70KM. This keeps me from wasting an action group on getting rid of it. Another option I've used, is to just add the decoupler into your staging so you can decouple it while you coast to AP, and it will be nowhere near in your way when you circularize. Of course I'm a terrible KSP "player", so my ideas may be completely stupid. Your mileage will vary.

[sgt_flyer]

I don't like the LES, but for other reasons. Space between the LES and the pod is not a problem (especially now with the offset gizmo)

The problem i have with it lies with it's completely unbalanced stats and sideways thrust. The thing holds less solid fuel than two separatrons ! And yet, has a 1 ton dry mass. (1.125 tons fueled)

There's way too much offset thrust also - real life escape towers fire for at least five seconds - and do so with only slightly lateral movement, so in case of pad abort, it sends the capsule largely over 1000m of altitude - so the capsule has the time to open it's parachutes while it falls back.