I have thought about this in the past, and agree that easier access becomes more important as drive capacity gets larger and goes solid state.

My own tentative solution, is to install a hinge for the top plate, attached at the rear. And modify the tabs to permit pivoting it up without having to remove the front bezel.

Oooh.. or perhaps even better: rework or replace the lid, with the new configuration using four rare-earth magnets for attachment. Then it could just lift out (with a bit of oomph!).

The original empeg/rio metalwork is stainless steel, which is not terribly attractive to magnets. But some tiny ferrous plates could be attached where needed to counter that issue.

The drive tray metal is very attracted to magnets, though.

Cheers