xM rev.A - RTC battery fitting

I know the details are in the SRM and that there have been the
following posts related to this topic...
http://groups.google.com/group/beagleboard/browse_thread/thread/618923f07e905570/
http://groups.google.com/group/beagleboard/browse_thread/thread/610d0fce9b8511e4/

... but has anyone actually successfully fitted one themselves yet?

The arrangement is tiny compared to the original board - is there
scope to improve the ease of battery fitting in a future xM revision
please?

And what would be the consequence(s) of removing the resistor but
failing to successfully fit a battery? Thanks.