Haynes says its easier but no mention of needing it in the nc manual, so should I remove it or not?

My advice, follow the Haynes. It's a royal pain in the arse to do with the exhaust in situ. I've done it before with the exhaust fitted, but never again. Just make sure you replace the gaskets.

Thanks, exhaust off it is

Not difficult with exhaust off, but first check that clamps/studs/nuts/joints are not corroded /seized and do look like they will come apart [try it].
If suspect, but you are removing them for the refurb then OK, if not wait until then. The front pipe collars may require some work
I have never removed ex to get a shock out.
Jack up on Abba stand, remove belly pan and rear wheel.

Remove linkage and bolts first, lifting s/a as required, then sit a jack under the s/a to support it.

Lift s/a to allow shock to slide down and out, refitting is harder as you need to lift s/a and feed shock up, it was dropping under its own weight on removal.

I do it with exhaust in situ as well...

Just to confuse you some more..

I suppose it is just a question of time against effort, and what to do now or later, removing more can be quicker/easier if nothing else goes wrong.
I used to pull the rads forward to get at plugs and valves, but now drain down and remove rads for easier access and I can then inspect and clean all around, including steam cleaning the rads and flushing the system.