2002 NEC
410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), hanging luminaires (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower stall.
Not much to figure out, the article directly calls out hanging pendent fixtures.
If the fixture is within "the zone" it has to go.
As far as "screw in sockets left empty because people and little kids love to take light bulbs out of the socket" that is beyond NEC control.
