I'll pass along these tips that might help.
I just replaced the driver's side door carrier. It's one of those jobs that takes 3 hours the first time and 45 minutes the next.

First of all, it wasn't apparent to me that the door jamb plug (item 3) that hides the screw (17) is a 2 part item. Simply push/pry the center part out first, then remove the outer part that remains in the door. The hex key (to remove 17) should be oriented in a way that points towards the outside of the door, not towards the front of the vehicle. This is the reason for the oblong shape of the access hole.

After pulling the lock assembly out of the door, remove the small nut that is now exposed (mine was rusty) on the handle. Also, back out the screw so that it dosen't interfere with handle removal. You have now removed all the screws required to remove the handle and the carrier.

So just how does the handel come off? Also not too intuitive IMO, but here's how.

Pull the handle as if opening the door and rotate clockwise about an eigth of a turn. The left end of the handle pivots as the right end breaks free from the carrier. Now just wiggle the left end until it's retainers are aligned with the slot in the carrier and gently pull it out.

That's pretty much it; except for the cable attachments inside the door. Just take your time there, as they un-snap from their attach points.

Hope this info was useful.

Bryan