this is a tough one, i know. believe me, i know well the feeling of having been at it so long, and just not having the motivation to do this. i'm about to tear my transmission out for a problem that i've been chasing for years, never find any evidence of the problem, put it back together and it runs fine, for a while.

anyway, i think the only real issue is to make a firm decision that

a) you are willing to deal with the consequences if this goes wrong, (in which case i would write that decision down on a piece of paper so you can look at it later when, if something does go wrong, you are tempted to kick yourself in a$$ for making that decision)

b) you suck it up and tear it apart.

i understand eiher way, and would be tempted to take option a. you just have to be sure you are willing to live with the possible consequences.