Regarding the torque converter removal, I just remembered that a crank hath
two ends and I could probably hold the pulley end with a wrench while
loosening the hopefully-not-as-tight tc bolts.

The question remains: why replace the 5 tc drive plate bolts? Has anyone NOT
replaced them after removing them and had any ill-effects?

I know...not DM if VW says to do it. It's just that doing things "right" ie
the long way has turned into a six month downtime for an exhaust replacement
that involved engine removal... I need to get on the road as my trusty 77
goes in the garage for the winter this week lest it be exposed to sodium
chloride. Yikes!
I hope this tc bolt part is an acceptable corner to cut. Is it?
Jay