I think he means there is a step by step saying all the things you said about taking this apart.
There definitely is a part that is broken off, you should look for it. These parts are made from ABS or ABS/PC plastic and it can be glued quite easily with acetone. If you get it right the break can be almost as good as new. Failing that a good crazy glue for plastic works as well. The spring is not too strong so a repair may be OK.
You could hold the part in place with something that would break away if you ever needed to use this release.
I have never had to use it yet and I doubt if many others have either.