I think you kind of hint at interesting point: given how last few generation of iPhones are constructed (and that most current android phones take similar appro

I think you kind of hint at interesting point: given how last few generation of iPhones are constructed (and that most current android phones take similar approach) it would be actually not that hard to make battery truly user replacable without any form factor compromises. Just replace the two screw-like pins with something that can be removed with some sane tool (think SIM ejector) and not glue the battery in place inside...