Both left & right struts I got from Arnott were great. No finish or fit issues whatsoever. They also were quick to refund the $ 100. core deposits both times. Could not ask for a better transaction.
As for depressurizing the strut before removal, all I did was unscrew the air fitting slightly and let the remaining pressure bleed out before removing completely. I also pulled the fuse in the rear compartment to disable compressor until new strut in place.