In my experience, desoldering an smd ic is much easier than desoldering a through hole chip. Of course using a heat gun, which a lot of DIY’ers dont have
I’d buy a mod instantly. Imo the mc202 is one of the most underrated instruments of all time, only because of the limited sequencer and lack of storage
So yes, please be a hero and save the 202
Id even consider getting a 2nd 202 when it ever happens