Here's an update:
Rust removal in progress at shop:
Someone had decided to repair it with this:
The passenger side was fine though.
Things are being mended here. The A/C removal is NOT temporary.
There were also thumb sized holes in the rockers where rust had eaten through.
Here is the finished rear windshield area (car is a mess though).
I decided to tackle the rear windshield myself after struggling to find someone to do it.
Success!
My sister was in town and helped me out big time. Side benefit: she now knows how to do rope-in glass installs!