Door latch spring plastic insert?

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

Silly question, but can someone explain what the functionality/purpose of the plastic insert between the coils of the door latch springs pictured here is?
Latch.JPG
Swapping out for new stainless springs and wondering if I should even bother putting these in with the new set.

Thanks!

2

Did you put them back in?

My guess, and it’s only a guess, is an assembly aid or to quiet vibrations.