(1) I trimmed the port-hole for the shield in jet mode using a DIA 4.5mm twist drill bit. It is still hard to pull out the shield but considerably easier than when it is before trimming.
(2) There is a "C" shaped clip-like thing on the gorilla neck that probably needs to be plug in first to make it easier to then snap other parts into place, in gorilla mode.
(3) I prefer to put the nosecone down compared to the official transformation, so that the whole silhouette/profile of the robot mode will be cleaner. The (thickness of the) backpack does not change regardless of which configuration. But that's my personal preference.
Overall, a very good TF. Will probably try to remove the silver paint splatter especially on the black legs... hmmm... maybe not... not sure...