Is there an easy way to get the honey pot off without cutting the wires?
No, you'll need to disconnect the wiring from under the dash, then remove the wiring cover on the lower column (one Phillips screw) and remove the wiring from the top. You just use a draw wire to pull them back down when you are re-assembling.
Those little metal things that hold the handles and winders on - are the big loop/eye bits at the front or the back?
It all depends upon what the last bloke who fitted them did. I always put them back so the open end of the clip is behind the handle, but just get your door handle removal tool and try both ways.