Augh! What is this? Looks like HTC's engineers weren't interested in our input from the M8. They've stuck with their habit of gluing down the motherboard.

Not only is the motherboard adhered, it's bang up against the battery—a "soft" battery.

After some very gentle prying with a blunt spudger, we manage to free the motherboard and not catch fire.

Phew!

Oh and the rotational vibrator? Yeah, it's now soldered to the motherboard, and (lightly) adhered to the case.

No more connector, and no more snug sleeve. Replacement just got a notch more involved.