Well I opted for the destroy the seals method...
I have new ones so ended up take a stanley blade to them to get them to move - plus I found my screwdriver that I've been after for 3 weeks, my other ones were either too larger or too small to do any good, but this one worked perfectly in anchoring the seals out.
So, yesterday and today has resulted in a complete strip down of all 4 forks, and then the partial reassembly of 2 with the best bits from the resultant sets. Just need to get the damper rods back in, fill with oil and put the internals back in and finally attach it back to the bike. Do a quick test then deal with the fairing / mirrors / indicators. I have new mirrors on their way from fleabay but need to figure out what I need in regards to indicators before I start buying.
Should be back on the road in the next week or so if work doesn't get in the way too much