hey pbfreak, my friend got his boot and knob off... thanks to u! i guess he "broke off" the plastic piece u are talking about. he said he used a butter knife to snap off the "rivits" holding the boot. he said he didnt break off the whole plastic part. i asked him if it interfered with him shifting or anything and he said no. so i guess it is the best way to go. hope this works for u! let me know how u make out.
Thanks for ur help!