Thanks for this post, and the link to the original post. I actually did this enlargement with my PPC becuase of misfit leaders as yourselves
Just don't go jumping off any bridges now.
I actually popped out the silver mirror thing. Then just cleaned out the area that was underneath it. I wanted to have the circle look w/o cutting out everything. I was then also still able to use the original speaker dust cover. Cost $0
You would never know! I will post a picture of it later today.
As far as the sound... Yes it is a bit louder, but more so on the highs. It sounds a bit more clear with your thumb over the whole (as if unmodded) only becuase it produces more of the bassy tones that way. But, depending on the frequency range of the tones, it is louder, especially in the higher tones. Again, great post thanks for the fun!