Hp67 and others, Drill or not to drill?

[jftman]

I have an HP67 and tge card reader turns on but the card does not feed.
Tge plate on the back is pristine, has not been pried up, if original implies never opened.

I am inclined to create hokes to remove the screws obscured by the plate.
I think it bests a plate that has been malled over the years by multiple owners.

What do You think?
Better to have access and not ruin the flatness of the plate?