[jlex]

When I replaced my engine compartment fuel lines, I had to take that thing off, and did it w/o having to do a partial drop or remove the fuel rail. Key to it was getting a good visual impression of how the thing is held on in the first place. If I recall, it was held on in a peculiar fashion so removing it was a bit counter-intuitive. See if you can hunt up a good picture of how its fastened on.
Hopefully, you're on the right track here and not wasting your time. Maybe it's just the check valve on the fuel pump that needs replacing. May want to check that out before you rip out the FPR.