Surely others have had to change the tail-light/brake-light bulb in a ROADSTER/CONVERTIBLE.

Yes, as I said in my original post, it is indeed possible to change the bulb without completely removing the side liner(s) but if I have to do it again in the future I would certainly like to be able to get that post/anchor off and take the liner all the way out. That way I can avoid being half-crippled for the next two days as my body tries to regain the shape it had before wedging myself in that tiny trunk and forcing my arm and shoulder to bend in ways nature never intended.

Why the designers couldn't have provided better access I don't know, but if I had ten cents for every bad word I said while doing the job, I could buy a nice handgun.