An Alias you mean? (similar to Windows Shortcut icon)
It is simply a reference icon that is linked to opening the program. It is not compulsory for any program. I only use an alias for Parallels desktop. You have alternate choices. Leave the LW icon in the Dock. Control-click LW icon in Dock & choose Keep in Dock. I personally don't like too many items in my Dock. Only the programs I use the most.

Else, something I like to use is a 3rd party program called Butler. It is a menu option that appears on apples menu bar. I used to use a similar system on OS 7 - 9 with apple menu items. With Butler, I have created sections for p2p software, graphic software, fav folders, etc. When setting up Butler it can be wise to go to configure options & disable or lower some of the ram hungry options. Butler. You can customise it as you please.



You should never remove items from the Receipts folder. The system needs those files when repairing permissions & checking original file with receipt, etc. Only exception is if you are downgrading a program to an earlier version. Not all, but most programs install a receipt file (those that use an installer).

No, I don't think the icons are Aliases. In OS X, don't the Aliases have a little arrow at the bottom left of the icon? The icons I'm talking about look like little hard drive or device icons. I thought they were just the installer apps, but stuff tends to stop working if I toss them.

I didn't even know I had a Receipts folder, so I've certainly never removed anything from it. I learned my lesson about OS X and messing with the System folder that one time when I tried to mess with it like it was still OS 9. I'll never do that again.

If I really feel that I must do something of that nature, I'll ask someone who knows more than me or I'll RTFM.