You do NOT have to pull the radio or anything else. Just carefully pull the trim plate around the EATC. Start by pulling gently at the bottom left corner, then the bottom right corner. Then release the top corners and remove the trim plate. The top corners are held in place with two hook type prongs - one in each corner - which are easily released with a thin tool between the EATC and the trim plate.
You MAY want to remove the switch plate below the EATC however. I discovered that with all the wrangling to get the harnesses unplugged from the rear I inadvertently scratched the trim plate below the EATC that houses the defroster switch and the TC switch. This would probably be more of an issue with wood trim. Perhaps a towel or something to cover it would help.
A 10mm - 1/4" drive deep well socket is perfect for removing the speed nuts holding the vacumn harness plug to the rear of the EATC. No ratchet required, just a solid grip with your bare hands.
Piece of cake.