This has now changed, the only reason now to verify is:

Why do I need a verification?
Verification is needed for those users, who need to withdraw or deposit fiat funds through wire transfer, sepa or other payment systems, where identity check is mandatory.

Is verification of btc-e users necessary on a new platform?
Users can conduct the following operations without verification - trading on all pairs, withdrawal and deposit of funds through codes of the new platform (btc-e code analogue) and also deposit and withdrawal of coins.

All trading in USD pairs and holding $ is fine and requires no verification as of latest update.