Aside from using the Memory card in the remote control for firmware updates, is there any other need for keeping a memory card in the RC?  

this question has been asked by myself and others. the documentation is obscure with this also. dji have stated here:

http://forum.dji.com/thread-76016-1-1.html

its used to extend memory to the screen, which does not answer a whole lot.

perhaps its for future updates to be opened up in the RC...?

Once you have performed the firmware update, there is no need to leave the sd card in the controller.

thanks for the replies, appreciate the comments and the link.

Cheers