Yes everything you said is true!

120,000 equates to several thousands of openings but that will change when it quits! (:-)

Yes you have to pull the panel.

Special tools are not really needed to fix the mechanical part. Normal size hands to release some clips and rotate a tiny piece.

Pulling the clips from the door requires a thin but reasonable strong forked spade tool.
You want to try to grip around the shank applying pressure directly under the heads of the clips.
If you do not get a pressure to squeeze the cardboard against the head squarely it will pull out of the cardboard panel in a heart beat!

Especially where at the lower edges and corners. That is where the cardboard can get damp and soften over time!
Car makers with all their vast years of building experience just keep using the same old cheap methods.
The Later/newer cars are using more plastic but it gets brittle and there we go again.

Ah, You do know that Battle Creek is not far from Motown! The grand kids of Snap, Crackle and Pop, became automotive engineers! (:-) Not one of them work in the engine departments but only in the quickly to assemble body part areas. That's because in the engine area, you got to be able to keep in-tune! (:-)

Seriously,
If you catch the slack soon enough the wear may not be to severe. The adjustment of the lifting rods fork to the latch arm on the inside maybe all it needs!

Someone on this board might pop in with a link with pictures or try the FAQ's. Even under other models might be close enough to help!

Phil