Driveshaft bushing gone bad

2004 Yam 200 SX200TXRD
Owner stated it started turning over slow.
History: #6 low comp. but still started good and ran like nothing wrong.
Then the slow turning over started??
Checked the battery and starter, OK
Pulled plugs and still turned over slow.
So I thought the lower unit, a bearing might be locked.
I tried to pull the lower and it came off REALLLY hard.
Turns out the drive shaft passage and bushing was completely clogged with salt and corrosion.
Does the bushing need to be replaced or can I leave it out??
The boat lives on a lift in salt water and I can only think that it's gonna happen again????
Would normal flushing after running have stopped this?
No fresh water on the pier.

Had friend with 140 suzuki same problem,drive shaft mid bearing seized,starter drew so much current batt cables caught on fire, wiring harness,Hydraulic steering hoses,etc.Bearing had to be cut off, shaft reconditioned.Suzuki brass said it was operator error,lack of flushing on every use and not pulling l/u every year for cleaning&relubing.2000.dollars later

Thanks.
That's pretty much what I'd thought.
Can it be removed and not replaced?

I would replace it if it's in bad shape it's there for a reason

As you already know but for others - Whenever pulling the lower unit apply marine grease to the top splined section of that drive shaft before it goes back up in there. Somehow salt has a way of working its way into everything and corrosion can literally weld the splines of that drive shaft into the receiver just as the splines on the prop shaft where they are received by the propeller can end up virtually welded together.