You could have put the crank in a plastic bag (shopping bag etc) but thats the Idea. MoRads thread also said to lay out your case bolts in advance, and put them in half torque first have a beer while things are equalizing, and then final torque.
I think it would be easier if you took the long post and broke it down to one step at a time on 3x5 index cards.
Thank you for taking the time to post all the information and set up the photo's.
You will be glad you did when it comes time to write the book. That chapter would be done!
Unless you told him how to use the pick-up truck press method..
Tuck\o/