remove returns, rewards, affiliates etc

Hi,

I would just like to check whether it is or not possible to remove all links to rewards, returns, affiliates etc from the front end?

I would have thought that checking - no returns - in the admin would prevent returns menu from showing up? (for example)

I have editted the relevant files in catalog/view/theme/*themename*/..
But it appears I also have to edit files in catalog/controller?

This will mean every time I update I also have to edit the files, right? This is pretty much the single reason why I swapped from zencart!

Please let me know if there is another way.

M

Perhaps then, someone can point me to a really good and thorough vqgen tutorial as this looks like something that could be done with that method. Or even some vqmods that deal with this.
Teach a man to fish and all that...