@Charlie
ahhh the Iron Hot plate, i know this technique VERY well... i use it regularly in reworking dead boards.... its so damn easy and quick... although I also use flux and hot air on the top as well... much quicker / smother
now... to get at those types of components... stop torturing yourself... you need HOT AIR, if you dont wanna splash out on a Hot Air Rework station, then I suggest you borrow some ones Paint strippers and Fab yourself a small nozzle using a coke can or something (thank merlin its his baby
)
once you have had / used hot air..... there is no substitute my friend...