Removing these parts facilitates removing the bottom adhesive tabs but is not necessary. If you remove the upper adhesive tabs, then heat the backside of the lower ones (which you do if you couldn't get the tabs out), the battery comes out easily. Removes 14 steps from this procedure.

This cable's connector also has a hinge that must be opened to put the cable back in properly.

STEP 7.5 Remove Plastic Protector. There are 16 2.5mm screws keeping it in place. Remove them and the protector will come off easily. I used this guide a few months ago and it had a step here explaining this that now seems to be missing.

I had a heck of time using the spudger. I have found that grabbing the corners and using my thumbs to push the plastic away worked like a champ.