My opinion is that lifting the bed is the quicker way to go. Most fuel tank straps will not want to come free without twisting and turning into pretzels after being in place for over a decade... Soaking with penetrating oil mix of some kind might make them loosen more readily, but it's no picnic.
With the large size torkx in the bed, you'll need a breaker bar or impact wrench, but you will not be as likely to twist the fittings. Hoisting and holding a gas tank is no fun, empty or full, or anywhere between. It can be done, but yuk.
I'd think that 2.5 hours is quite generous for a pro with all the tools, lift, hoist, etc.
As far as the filler, I'd want to inspect for breakdown before replacing. It does not move nor flex, so should not 'wear out'. The only thing I can think of that happens is breakdown of the 'rubber/butyl/neoprene/bananaSkin' used to make the connector. Ozone and other atmospheric chemicals, and sunlight(through the rust holes?) will break down stuff. If it is not 'check marked(little rectangles of cracks)' I'd leave it. There's little pressure, and it just conducts the fuel into the tank. Finding a replacement might be a snipe hunt as some models/years are made of unobtainium. They were faulty from the get-go, and fell apart a LOT quicker than normal, and are NLA. I think.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
tom