I use this rule for rewriting if directory doesn't exist:

if (!-d $request_filename ) {
rewrite ^/([^/.]+)$ /profile.php?nick=$1 last;
}

The tutorial says that "if" is bad. Is there any way how to change this rule so tyhat it works without "if"?
Thanks.

Noone can answer this question?

Please, I need it urgently. The new server is ready and I have to disconnect the old server.
I need to know if "if" may cause some problems in this rewrite rule.