I read the messages on this thread and will tackle the center vent again. It appears I will need to just be more hardcore and really wrench this vent mechanism out! I am aware of the allen nut for the vent ON/OFF feature. The center tabs to move the vent direction left and right are missing on mine. There are the 4 recessed tabs on top and I was thinking this only holds the other fascia and not full vent mechanism since I had two left tabs and the metal tabs unclipped and the outer fascia came loose as I wedged between the instrument pod and the left side of the center vent piece. The right most side would not budge. I can remove the airbag if that helps me. I will do the cloth hanger trick to have all 3 tabs unclipped and apply more brute force.

I guess I am "venting" finding this task not as easy as it seems! Any additional tips, please pass on!