I would say minimal means something like "just enough flexibility to support one stated use in all predictable contexts". Brittle means "not enough flexibility

I would say minimal means something like "just enough flexibility to support one stated use in all predictable contexts". Brittle means "not enough flexibility, so it breaks in some contexts". Removing a component is not a stated use. If a component can be removed during the stated use then that's not minimal, it needs more thought or parts.