I desperately want to delete LinkedIn, but I am also looking for my first developer jobs in the tech field. In my former field, no one would ever ask for your LI profile. You send a resume, link to a resume, whatever. In the tech field, every single company I've interviewed with so far has looked at my linkedin profile before our interview and specifically requested it. Until the field changes, or I have a stronger status as a developer, I feel I have to be there or get overlooked for someone who is there.
Simply tell them you don't use it because of ethical reasons, and explain why if asked. If you would like a replacement then check out http://careers.stackoverflow.com/ (requires a certain amount of SO rep or an invite, which I would be willing to give but I see no way of doing that with you).
If an employer is worth any salt they should be placing a higher value on your StackOverflow account, Github account and/or personal site (with resume). I don't see any value in LinkedIn - to me its still just a glorified resume site (and one without any verification - many people make stuff up).
Turn this to your advantage. I'd be more impressed by a reasoned explanation of why you aren't on LinkedIn than any puffery you might have on your page.
