tntdse-
You do not have to remove the 3 plugs on each side to remove the outer fairing. If you put wind deflectors on, you take the 3 plugs out of each side to thread in the screws for the deflectors. They just pry out carefully with a screwdriver.
To remove the outer fairing, there are 3 screws at the windshield. One screw on each side above the 3 plugs you mentioned and 2 screws between the forks.
Tips given to me are to: put socks over the driving lights to prevent scratches, clothes over the front fender, tank, lowers; and use a light to see the screws at the bottom and carefull not to drop-use magnetic torx screwdriver.
The headlight plug can also be a bear to unclip from the back of the headlight (trying to hold fairing and unclip by squeezing connnector at the same time).
If any of the threaded inserts come out with the torx screws, tap back in carefully with a small block of wood.
It is not a hard job but you have to be extremely carefull to prevent cross threading, scratches, and the inserts from coming out.