just try not to bend it too much as it will snap, when I took mine off it took me ages as I was scared to snap it but take your time and maybe a few clips will snap but that's not too bad.
Good work mate, the long dash strip just needs some gentle persuasion to get it off, it's just clipped on but as you've found out they're quite fragile.
If you are going to get a smart phone and want more ways of tweeking it, then get an android phone. Also get phone insurance at the same time just in case! I know the phone you are talking about its the Samsung S4 Active!