General :: How To Delete Android Emoticon PNG Files

I have a rooted Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Within the system file /system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xhdpi/ are about 17 little "emo_im_xxxxx.png" files that represent the little "green alien" emoticons that Android's stock SMS program inserts into text messages when certain text-based emoticons are input.

I want to delete these .png files so that the "green alien" emoticons no longer replace my standard text smilies. I don't care that others may not be able to see them. *I* don't want to see them, LOL. I've hated them since I got the HTC Droid Incredible two years ago, and I want them gone. I don't want to use a separate messaging app (Handcent, etc.). I like the stock app. I have Root Explorer, but the only option it gives me when I navigate and select these .png files is to "Extract" them.

I rooted my phone for the sole reason of being able to access/edit system files so I could get rid of these ugly little buggers, but have not had much luck after a full day of Googling, downloading, installing, uninstalling, packing, repacking, pushing, pulling and rebooting. There has got to be a simple solution to something that should honestly be built into the Android OS as a simple "auto-smilies on/off" toggle switch in settings.