Exterior panel removal questions.
 

Can anyone tell me how to remove the thin side panels underneath the rear quarter windows that blend into the trink lid? Anyone I've talked to has ended up breaking the clips during removal, so I'm looking for step-by-step intructions. Is it even possible to do w/o breaking the clips? If not, what is the best way to remove them to minimilize damage? And where can I get new clips, and how much would they cost?

The clips are part# 96002PA010 and it looks like there's 8 per side (16 total).

I could imagine if they are similar to the clips used on the door cladding and if you can reach behind them by removing the rear interior side trim you may be able to save a few of them.

Most of them break when removed, I don't use 8 per side to replace the panel though ;)

Can you just pull them off with your fingers? Do you have to pry them off with a screwdriver or something? And what's the best technique so you don't scratch or snap anything else?

The goal IS to break the clips and not the holders in the garnish. You can get a couple with a screwdriver, the rest you just have to pull on.