I was always told if you can't find your snake in it's enclosure, then it's a happy and content snake. It's when they're out climbing the glass and sniffing around the top and looking for ways out that you should worry. I check my snakes all the time and if I don't see them, then I am content that they are happy. When i see them out and not going in their hides, I investigate further to find out what might be going on. More times than not I find the huimidity or temp off just a bit to make my pet restlesss, hence him or her showing their faces.

Bottom line is, hides are essential to a Ball Python's security and all around general health and well being. By removing their hides, you are taking away a vital part of their everyday environment and their health will suffer.
If you're looking fro a pet you can view all day, goldfish are cheap and you can watch them float to your heart's content.