Agreed. I think it was a shame to leave that section out as it illustrates Odysseus' cleverness and hubris, the attributes that both help and hinder his journey. It also demonstrates the complicated nature of heroism investigated in the epic.

Odysseus shows great intelligence in introducing himself as Nobody and again in saving the surviving men. He also can't resist shouting back his name and taking credit once he's out of immediate danger. Had he not shouted his name back, Polyphemus would have been unable to call down a curse upon him, and by extension, all his men.