Hello Angus,
In response to your question regarding links removal: It is not too difficult. You will need a small flat head screwdriver, a small pair of pliers, and a short glass of scotch....
Seriously, not too difficult. You want to remove the last link where you make the adjustment inside the clasp. First you need to remove the link that holds the pin, doing this by gently prying up the 4 fingers that link this to the next link. Once removed, you will then go to the next set of 4 links and open them up, prying up the side that joins it to the next link, thereby facilitating the removal of that entire link. If you feel the need to remove more than one link, then go yo the second 'foursome', and pry up there. It really is alot easier than you may think, just takes a little prying and using the inner link bar (the piece that goes across the link from one side to the other, there are two per link) as a fulcrum. Once the link(s) are removed, then slip the initially remove 'pin' link back in place, and use the pliers to close the 4 fingers.
Voila you are done, I hope....!
Cheers,
David