Will Remove tool work on layers of all dimensions in its future versions?

Loving the results from the remove tool, especially for smallish areas with stochastic detail. It keeps getting better and better with each release. 

One issue: Currently the tool is only efficient if the active layer is the same size or larger than the canvas and has no trasnparency. If the active layer is a small cutout or even just has a "hole" somehwere in it so underlying layers show through, each stroke generates a progress bar of 10-20 seconds, no mater how small.

Workaround: create a solid color layer below the layer being worked on and merge the two to create a pixel layer equal in size to the canvas. Remove tool then works at normal speed.

Question: Is the plan for the final release version of the tool that this workround is not necessary? Can the remove tool be made to work on a layer of any size?