> almost like Apple is maliciously complying by overcomplicating the procedure
Sorry, which of a 9-volt battery, alcohol wipes, safety glasses or sand (and a container for it) screams inaccessible? (And everything there is technically optional. I doubt most Treo 650 users drained the battery before touching it, or bothered with a suction cup.)
Removing the back glass takes special tools, but I'll take that over having to replace my phone every time it gets wet.