Yeah he went all the way in. I am going around my truck and pulling a few panels at a time and spraying. I am in Chicago and my 99 ranger I picked up used from the south was destroyed here in about 9 years from salt.
Followed the first part of your procedure to release them. Posted a video if it helps anyone. I did not remove them all the way though as I was able to pull the panel away with them still in.
They wouldn't budge on mine and I ended up paying an extra $100 or so. Now trying to get temporary plates since they did not come with the truck (had to ship out of state they forgot to put the drop ship on the order)... almost wish I just ordered locally at this point.
Here was his reply. Again I can only pass along what he said but it's straight from the source!
in reference to whether the 89 is for stock or retail - the only stock that was ever pulled was the 1st week of scheduling when Ford wasn't pulling any retail orders - every Maverick week...
I heard from @Dealerinsider they have 89 wholesale allocations for November. He said admins have to approve his posts thus the delay in posting. (that's all I know but I hope it helps everyone!)