Answered my question. No it is not necessary, nor will it help to remove the inner door panel to replace the door lock. Looking at the side of the door that mates with the body, the 10 minute procedure is:
1. remove the small black rubber plug that is inline with the lock, revealing a set screw;
2. remove the set screw - allen head;
3. remove the larger black rubber plug above the plug in step 1; this is the vacuum and electrical connection;
4. separate the white electrical lead;
5. place your key in the lock and turn clockwise about 60 degrees; the lock should come out;
6. feed the white plug on the new lock into the door and out the side hole;
7. connect to the vacuum module;
8. put the key in the new lock and install the new lock in the door;
9. push the vacuum/electrical connection into the hole in the side of the door;
10. put a drop of locktite on the set screw and intall the screw;
11. re-install the small black plug, and your done.

regards,
Mark