Nice write up, I have R&R'd my entire CIS in the car 3-4 times over my one year of ownership due to a blown airbox, a second used slightly cracked airbox and finally installing my stainless airbox that I ended up pulling to repair a poorly designed pop off system.
I used a partial engine drop each time and did not have to take the runners off.
I feel like I could do it blindfolded now...