Permutation test: removal of a formative indicator

[JFB]

Hi,

I use smartpls 3.2.9 to mesure a 2 stage formative second order construct (tetrad, CTA test ok).
The model counts 9 relations and 6 constructs.
1 construct has 6 indicators, one other has 4 indicators, others constructs have 1 indicators.

I want to performe a group analysis using a permutation test.
1 group is 47% of the sample, the other is 53%. Total sample size 430.
I run the permutation test with 5000 permutations, 2 tailed (no hypothesis), weighting scheme factor with 1000 itérations.

To satisfy the Micom Step 2 (quality criteria), I need to remove 1Indicator of the formative construct with 4 indicators (means 3 indicators are remaining) and I Wonder if that is a valid procedure !

Removing a reflective Indicator is not a problem. However, usualy deleting a formative indicator cannot be done without conceptually modifying the construct.

Does anyone could help me !
Thanks a lot in advance,

[ewillyliew]

I am having a similar concern. MICOM step 2 requires me to remove 1 formative indicator. I am in a dilemma about the removal. Still stuck...