Believe me, I had that exact feeling when I went through it. I was so mad at myself for trying to replace it when it wasn't even really damaged, just infuriated. Even though mine could go back on after the saga, it still bothered me that I had this imperfect thing left at the end of the job when I just wanted to do it all right and not wonder if the imperfection was going to be a problem.
But going into it, it just doesn't seem like it's going to be as hard as it ends up. I did actually do them on my w123 successfully (I had to, front one was significantly damaged when flex disc blew), so it seemed wise to do them on principle when I did the job on my 124. And boy did I wish I hadn't thought that.
Of the three I did get out (both on 123 and one on 124), they ALL were a battle and eventually came out. So, don't give up hope on yours yet ... I'll bet a machine shop can get it out. And if you can't find a shop, a vice and two pry bars will give you a lot of extra force. Put the pry bars right up against the bushing sides, so you won't bend, break whatever rod you've got through the hole.
Good luck ... hope you find an answer soon.

Edit: Tomorrow I will try to see if i can find pictures from when i did the job, if that's any help. I don't think I have any of the actual prying setup though, but maybe I can work up a masterpiece in Paint.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)