Vortex Sound Research

So I love my little dude. I've been using it for a while with much joy. But do y'all find it excruciating removing batteries from the unit? I've definitely broken a small tab of the side of the casing a bit ago just removing the far end ones as they are nestled in there super tight under some plastic wings. Any thoughts? I may try and install some rechargeables with a power input since I'd like to not damage batteries or the unit itself trying to pry them out.