All this post rings bells!
Had the same issue with having to re-tighten the lower swing-arm pre-load bolt and have successfully managed to do frequent re-packing of upper bearings over the last year and a half. I have steered clear of servicing the lower swing arm bearings (just above the bottom bracket) as I assumed the pin required some form of pressing to remove.
However, recently found that you can tap out the pin from the non drive side pretty easily. It has two bushings which sit over the pin, inside the actual swing-arm and, once it's out, you can push the arm up to reveal the bearings without further dis-assembly. (Look out for the drive side alignment when you reassemble as there is a cut out which needs to be positioned to wedge against the frame).
5finger, Have found a post which describes how to remove the pin and bearings from lower part of shock linkage here:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=561788 (Post 6)In case it has been removed it says:
Screw a bolt into one side of the pivot and place a socket/tube against the aluminium insert surrounding the bearing on the other side. The socket needs to be big enough to allow the bearing to fit inside. Then slowly press out the pivot using a G-clamp or vice (easier). This pushes out the pivot with one of the bearings still attached. Remove the bearing by gently prising it off with a flat-bladed screwdriver. The second bearing still in the frame can be pushed out with a large bolt and the same socket as before.
Hammering these bearings out is definitely not to be recommended with a carbon frame!I haven't taken the plunge yet!