Thanks for the step-by-step instructions! It definitely sounds easier than what the manual says, but probably because they have to use particular language that I'm not so familiar with... not being a mechanic, and all.
I'll take a peek at the EGR while I'm under the hood -- it wasn't hard to remove at all -- but the manifold plate is a bit of a pain. I'll avoid that if possible.
"Tequila in Topanga" should probably be my new signature or something... certainly sounds nicer, and more girly, than "flymuck", ha ha