Removing ME [almost] entirely by editing the official bios image with me_cleaner.py and then updating the bios the normal way sounds like it is simpler, if you

Removing ME [almost] entirely by editing the official bios image with me_cleaner.py and then updating the bios the normal way sounds like it is simpler, if you don't need the extra network-connected ME features there. I'll admit I was a little afraid of bricking the PC, as with any kind of BIOS modification, but it worked like a charm.