I was going to remove my ECU to send it to G-force just before I left town for a couple of weeks; I even had printed out the instructions. Foiled though, as I couldn't get those screws off - tight spot, and the 2 in front were half covered by an edge of metal - any suggestions for getting this bloody thing out. TIA

 

Yes, those two screws in front are a real pain to get out.
You have two choices:

1. Ultra low profile ratcheting angled screwdriver. Gets the screws loose enough that you can remove them by hand.
2. Use a hacksaw to cut down the handle of a short and straight phillips screwdriver if you cannot find the above mentioned ratcheting 90 degree driver.

There is a big wire harness that runs right in front of the ECU.
You have to pick it up and hold it out of the way. You may have to cut a cable tie to do it.

I think at this point, my ECU is only held in by two or three screws instead of the original four.

Go out and invest in the right tools for the job. Otherwise it is a purely miserable experience getting the ECU out.

I am envious of my friends 300ZX. Four very easily assecible screws. His ECU is in and out within 5 minutes.