Removing a pickguard with damage

I really like my new Epiphone Masterbilt overall, but it came with the cheesiest, cheapest pickguard I've ever seen. I'd like to just remove it for good.

So, I'm wondering if it's easy/hard, will I damage the top, and are there any tips for a successful pickguard-ectomy.

Thanks for your thoughts!

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/acoustic-guitar/pickguard.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3bhAS2PTnQ

But I would take mine to a luthier because I would screw it up for sure.
Fellow Welsh Owner.