You do not have to drop the column to get the switch assy out, however it may test your patience some. Try and tape up some of the edges on the plug before you start extracting the whole mess, it is going to want to hang up some, but you can look down the column with a flashlight to see where your going.
Also I would suggest tying a string or thin safety wire to the plug so you can fish it back and forth if it snags, same deal on the install, fish the wire ahead of the plug.
Can't comment on the aftermarket switches.
Have fun and cuss as required
