After some thought and no responses to my original post, I figured it out myself. I really did not have to remove the console to fix the original problem which was to fix the linkage between the air flap under the radio and the A/C/fresh air vent for the rear seat. After I got the console out, I discovered that the bottom of the center console compartment lifts out giving the necessary access. I knew it was easier than taking the console out!!

As to removing the console, it's not too hard. There are four screws on the sides of the back of the console (accessible from the rear seat) which connect it to the transmission tunnel. Removing them and doing the normal stuff up front (remove radio, wood piece with window switches, and the wood piece surrounding the radio & climate control and then the four screws which hold the vertical part of the console to the dashboard) and it can be lifted right out. Putting it back requires care in ensuring that the carpeting panels on the footwell next to the tunnel are properly placed.