ElasticSearch has this feature (where you exclude a node) and we use it all the time in production.
For example, if AWS has planned maintenance on instance with local SSDs, we want to add a new node, and remove the old node, without a temporary decrease in the number of backups. If you are running with one backup, your choices are to add another backup for all partitions, or stop a node and run with no backups for some period of time. Neither is attractive. I want to add a new node, and to remove all data from the old node, without loosing protection. -DH Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.
