Wow...variants!! I have no sign of this "leaf" you speak of sir!
When I was boat shopping for the 323, the 1980 hull #224 Cocalada II that I looked at (the one with the nasty rust stain on the keel) had the table lifted to the overhead and pinned there the day I met her. I remarked to the Admiral, "Cool! Look at the room , what a neat design feature!"
When I first saw "Malambo" now "Sea Haven", I asked the owner as he talked about lowering the table for a berth "Where's the hole for the pin to raise the table over head?", he responded "Why would you want to do that?". I thought it best for his sake not to answer.
On the first day of ownership I drilled the hole.
"Sub" Ed
PS, I take it since it really isn't a structural member it can be removed easy enough? I see it's Aluminum as mine is painted and hriibly chipped. I thing I'd like to replace it with a nice Brushed Stainless pole, or maybe even one that's chromed. But stay she will.