there is a small plastic pin underneath the sail panel which will be covered by the ends of the dash when the door is closed. otherwise, all the other screws are accessible. have you tried removing the driver seat first? if you can, you can probably pluck away the rear end of the panel and be able to get your hands in there. maybe get a wrench in there to remove the exterior door handle? be cautious of wires and connectors when you pluck the panel off.

what "common problem" is this? i have a 91 ex and i don't have this problem.