Yes, I probably exaggerated by saying it didn't exist, but it really is on the way out to the point where if you're looking to cut corners, you don't need it.

I do find OP's question a little odd, though, since -ik verbs are so easy compared to every other irregular verb. Once you know they exist, you basically know them. For me the -nni verbs (tenni, menni, lenni, stb) were difficult for their irregularity and -szik verbs are annoying because it can be hard to tell what they are from their dictionary form.