What guide was that? Not got any pics of doing it and not been trimming for nigh-on two years.
I've described how to change the pads, but to be honest, there's a bit more to it like removal of seats (some people think it can be done in situ), removing plastics, separating the two halves of the seat etc etc etc.
It is a DIY job but like owt else, some people can, some people can't and some people won't.
Swap an alternator? Easy.
Repair an alternator? Erm lets just fit another alternator.
So by saying if you have leather they are stiched in and not really possible to replace" is actually a falsehood and perhaps just your experience or beleif, and unfortunatley, alot of people only believe what they hear, not what they know.
I'm saying that it can be done - as I've done it quite a few times on Omegas with good results.
As to practicality - Is it practical to DIY rebuild an engine? Course it is for some people, but others can't, won't or even have the tools.