Originally there was most likely a 0 ohm resistor in that spot so the wire is fine.

The wire goes to the missing cap, so I doubt the wire makes any difference. Does it even work?

Dersammler the board works well the only thing bad about it is the Dallas real time clock needs replacing and it will be an easy job because its already in a socket so I dont have to replace it or solder one in.

Looking at the way the wire was made with a loop it kind of looks like its there to put a finger in and pull out from the board if something goes bad....I have checked and its the perfect size for a single finger to get a good grip and rip out if needed, is there any reason why something like this would be done?

We could all make up some ideas why this was done. But... why don't you just ask the previous owner from which you bought it? Unlike us, he should know.