Plan B worked in my case. However, when trying to remove the weatherstrip, the whole moulding came off. Yes, there is a screw at the bottom to hold the rubber in place, but it can be reached with the glass on the car. The weatherstrip was much tighter in the moulding because there are a few bends. The seal to the window was not that great.

Anyway, next time I do this I want the entire assembly - chrome and all.