Tranny Shifter Removal

[alice@domain.elided]

Hello All!
I have seen T19WR gearbox sketches many times and note 
that a small set pin appears to hold the shifter and top cup 
housing in place.  How do I remove this?  Will removal greatly weaken 
the pin and cup retention when later replaced?  I want to remove the 
hazard of poking myself on the shifters of spare gearboxes.  Is there 
an easier/different way to take off the shifter? 
Mark