[hatzie]

The passenger side mode and blend actuators are fairly easy to access through the empty glovebox hole. Just pull the glovebox out and put it in the back seat to do these.
The Driver side is not awful but you have to take the knee panel off the bottom of the dash.
Recirc is a colossal PITA. If you don't need recirc just set the door and unplug the drive motor.

 

[hatzie]

I agree that the passenger side blend actuator is by far the easiest of the three. You don't even need to remove the glove box. Just pull down on the back of the box when opening it to release the two tabs at the top back, and allow it to swing all the way down toward the floor. After you do that, the blend actuator on the passenger side is readily accessible.

IMO, it's almost a toss-up between the other two as to which is the bigger PITA (both are hell and replacing either will result in multiple abrasions and lacerations). But I think I prefer replacing the recirc actuator way over by the right A-pillar than the left side blend actuator, because I'm small and have small hands.

Durn little people. LOL If your hands are small enough I can see how the recirc would be easier.

I have big hands so the LH side blend actuator was easier. I've done both and they both had me speaking furrin language.