Daiwa GS25HS Baitcaster Disassembly Problems

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I have a Daiwa GS25HS baitcaster, JDM model. I have hit a wall getting it fully disassembled for cleaning and greasing. The handle plate will not pull away to give me access. The case is cracked open but I don't want to muscle it off. Tried rotating shaft and pressing thumb switch while pulling to see if it has a certain tooth on the gear to release, but no cigar. I cannot find anymore visible screws, e-rings or anything else and even took the drag cap off and felt washers thinking maybe just held on by all the old grease. Can't get spool free of body, seems like it wants to go out the same direction as handle plate, but could easily be wrong. I've tried quite a bit to try to remove it.

Anyone ever work on these or have any ideas? I have a GS20HS as well, but it is fishable and I am apprehensive to take apart before figuring this one out.

Sorry for such a long first post.