I guessed that too....but there are like 3 other unprotected connections coming out from the splitter....and there is not reason to protect it there because if you remove it you can just run it straight into the splitter....you would essentially be adding an extra piece and then protecting it with PVC. I am wondering what it is they are protecting and why do they make it so hard to remove?
I've checked and I have no new channels after removing it.