Finally got the upper connectors disconnected. I had to slide a screwdriver straight under the upper portion of the three-way clamp on the top of the strut and twist for it to release. I never would have guessed that is how it would release. (Of course it had to be easier than it looked.)

Unfortunately, the hardest part has just begun. The struts need to be compressed somehow. With the trunklid fully up, the struts need compressed a few inches. With the trunklid in a lower position, they would need to be compressed even more. The passenger side is going to be a huge nightmare since the gas filler neck is completely in the way.

Any idea on how to compress them using rope or wire so that the struts can still be attached onto their connectors while being compressed?