I believe this option to remove animations from standard play, showing just the effects would be useful. It causes bugs such as the RoF bug, lag on slow computers, not to mention being a time saving device in general.
I understand new players need animations. As a veteran player, I hope that the option is given to us to disable animations. For example, I don't need to read for the 500th time what a quantum pillar does, I see it every time in the slots. =p
Update: After seeing zanzarino's comments about his new animation-less spectator mode feature, (thanks again zanz!) I believe this option could take little work to implement. Support pls! =)