remove firebricks to make room for rigid pipe or use flex adapter?

I am trying to decide the best way to install a rigid liner in my masonry chimney... 1. Should I remove the firebricks from my fireplace and run rigid liner straight down into a tee, or 2. Should I leave the firebricks in place and run the rigid liner down into the throat of the chimney and use a piece of flex in between the rigid and the tee?

In my previous install I just took out all the firebricks. I can't think of a reason not to do this again, but thought I should ask the experts...

In terms of the stovepipe between the tee and the stove, is there anything wrong with using a slip connector in there?

Do you ever intend to use the fireplace as an open burner again? That may be a good
reason to keep the fire brick.

Nope. And if we ever move, I probably won't be hauling the stove with me either. Good point though.