Oh well yeah...I would never use it "just to use it". I add it to my water during water changes and it always comes thru for me. As I have said in the past, I'm no expert with chemicals or things added to the products we buy but I do know whats worked for me in the past. When I recommend something or some product, its only because I've had success with that product. Others might find different results who knows...
But no, the carbon wont remove any of the things we've talked about here (ie stress coat, salt, etc.)