If I were you, I'd still move all my saves onto USB or something... I actually keep my profile and all my saves on a Memory Unit to avoid that sort of catastrophe.
...you wouldn't happen to be talking about MAGFest, would you? =)
[quote name='StarCreator']can I simply unplug the wires leading to the top panel from the main PCB?[/QUOTE]
Anyway, I just happened to have my just-modded SE/TvC stick with me, so I was able to take a look and try this out. I learned something today! This will likely look a bit different from yours... my parts are different and I didn't drill the hole for the headset jack yet, so the headset board is not in place:
You want to disconnect the one connector in the bottom-right corner. Try to GENTLY scrape off as much of the glue as possible first. Scrape up, not down...this way you won't slip and scratch the PCB by mistake. I used my nails and an unfolded paper clip to do it. After you've removed enough of it, gently wiggle out the connector from the top. Don't pull too hard, and make sure you're pulling on the connector and not the socket. Sorry if I'm giving totally unnecessary advice, but better to be safe than sorry...the price of SEs is shooting upwards lately, as I'm pretty sure they're no longer being made.
When I plugged in the stick after disconnecting that one plug, the P1 light lit up, and the lever and all buttons (including Start and Back) were all active, but the Guide button no longer functioned. I tested this on my computer and not an actual 360...I don't see why it would be any different, but you may want to try it on the actual console before the event.