Very nice writeup!
Re loosening the nut that holds the inlet manifold: using a short (ca 5 cm long) ring ratchet with 72 teeth (allowing small strokes) makes it a lot easier. No need to climb on top of the engine, it can be done just standing alongside the car.
A nice picture of the situation is on turbobricks:
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=87806
Piet