i used to be in the same boat in preferring more game content rather then fiction,
however my daughter is really getting into reading and the AP short stories have been an awesome way to introduce her to Fantasy/sci-fi elements* without her becoming overwhelmed by the longer novels:) so keep it up!
*and yes i expect some kick-ass sci-fi in Iron Gods
Personally, I've never been a *huge* fan of the fiction in APs, but I would never agree with removing it because so many people love it for "flavour".
That said, I LOVE the way it's been done in "Mummy's Mask". For the first time, I've actually gotten right into the story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially liked that a certain NPC from the AP is actually an important character in the story, which fleshes them out more for my portrayal in the game if I ever get the chance to run it.
My only suggestion with the AP fiction would be to release a fully illustrated anthology. The stories, along with relevant artwork (and the maps and diagrams from the MM version onward), would be something I would happily pay for.