Forum,
1. I already access the rear bulbs via the tonneau cover raised method.
2. Regarding tail lamp assembly removal vice tail lamp wiring harness removal, Only 2 (outboard left & lower center) of the 3 tail lamp assembly mounting studs are visible/accessible. The upper inboard stud is somewhere behind the cargo compartment molding. Assuming I can even reach it, I'm leery of attempting to remove same in the blind. No telling where the nut will wind up.
3. Passenger brake lamp was fine for ~ 1.5 days, then pulling into the garage last night the bulb out indicator lamp was set. Finished pulling in and lowered garage door > depress brakes > passenger side inop. This morning on way to work (50 degrees F), no problems/bulb out indicator.
4. Obviously the problem has transitioned from constant to intermittent. MrMiata I very well may avail myself of your very generous offer. Scanning the right hand instrument cluster EVERY time I use the brakes is an unnecessary distraction.