clear_on_hide with readonly text field

I was using a dropdown for the user to select from 2 options. The clear_on_hide works for all form groups that are hidden. However, I now need to remove an option. I can disable the second option via JS, but I would rather remove that option altogether and use a text field to indicate there is only that one option available, and there’s no need for a dropdown when there are no choices. So, I tried replacing the dropdown with [text example readonly "example option"]

Unfortunately, when CF7 sends emails, it is including the label for that field as well as the text of the field in all hidden repeating groups, despite “Exclude lines with blank mail-tags from output” being checked.

In order for a dropdown to clear_on_hide, a first_as_label such as “- Select -” must be used, and it looks silly to do it this way when there’s only a single option available in the dropdown (and it looks ridiculous to use a dropdown to begin with when there are no choices). This is why I want to just use a text field.

I can’t simply delete the text field from the CF7 mail output, because the user needs to be shown this [now forced] option in their email for every section that they actually fill out (non-hidden). Also, removal of the second option is temporary; it will be removed/replaced at specific intervals, so the less editing I need to do, the better.

Am I missing something or is clear_on_hide a readonly text field and then refill the text field with the CF7 tag value upon showing the group not supported with your plugin (yet)? If not, then consider this a feature request.
My field boxes are sized, positioned and aligned with the Column Shortcodes plugin, so that all fields match and look right. Checkboxes or radios would adversely affect the aesthetics, for one thing, so I’m stuck with using dropdown or text field.