- I somehow missed the step about disconnecting the drives. The HD connector simply popped out, though;

- unsticking the HD heat sensor: the trick about rotating it works (think DJ and turntable, just more gentle);

- standing the Mini on its CD-slot face to nudge a thinner SSD in place (pegs in holes) works; connected antenna plate not an issue); temporarily placing the T9 screws on the drive to help manoeuvre it is helpful, just don’t forget to remove them before trying to put the antenna plate back in place;

- putting the antenna plate back: its long lip goes under the case’s lip, but the “teeth” of the antenna’s surface plate go over it. Once almost in place but not entirely aligned, I placed the two T9 HD screws and one of the T8 at the lefthand side, all a bit loose to allow for wiggle. With a fine tool in the holes at the edge of the lip, careful not to touch circuitry below, I nudged some of the little teeth over the ledge. I ended up pushing firmly the antenna onto this ledge until the satisfying ‘snap!’

Alright, just went through the motions despite much trepidation after reading about the flimsy connectors. Here’s what worked for me, mostly based on the step-level comments.

- since I was upgrading the RAM as well I pulled it out, and was glad to have it out of the way;

- I removed the long 3rd fan screw at step 3 and was glad I did;

- I unplugged all the ZIF connectors, including the IR sensor (4-wire), peace of mind when pulling logic board

- I left the Airport connector in place, as per one comment; I placed a finger on it when pulling out the antenna plate; not an issue afterwards during the various operations;

- I used a 2mm Allen key to move the logic board. Think of it as pulling out a drawer from inside, the drawer’s face being the black plate with the outside connectors at the back; the Allen key found something to leverage on upon contacting the underside of the top of the case, it was then a matter of gently prying from both holes a bit at a time;

- more in following comment!