Answer to question 1
There is a reason for disconnecting in the order recommended.
Most likely to prevent triggering an airbag.
” I don’t really feel like removing all that trim along the floor and B pillars if I don’t have to.”
Well how would you feel if done incorrectly causes a airbag to be deployed.
Answer to question 2
There are shops that do airbag module resets ( providing that the module can be reset and doesn’t require to be replaced )
Is it worth taking the chance?
Only you can answer that question.
You might try researching reliability on reset airbag modules and such to see if there is a trend.
Ultimately is will come down to you and what you feel safest doing where it concerns you and your passengers.