Lou, I appreciate folks like you being on the forum. You don't just sit back waiting for someone to ask a question then offer your guidance, you proactively think of ways to help others enjoy their pens and learn more about this fascinating aspect of pen collecting/ crafting.
I for one, was grabbing the nib "sideways" (blade edge to edge) by itself and not with the feeder then wiggling it out. Grabbing it between my thumb and forefinger, which I read somewhere; I thought it was the correct way.
One look at one of your photos I realized I was doing it all wrong and probably may have caused some damage sooner or later.
Thanks!