There are some explanations here: https://jami.net/the-jami-blockchain-switches-from-proof-of-work-to-proof-of-authority/ and through https://docs.jami.net (Wiki=>Jami=>Name server)
It's only used to store usernames on ns.jami.net, so yes it is optionnal. If you still want a username, you can have your own name server (I just host a JSON file on my website for example)