FWIW, I have had my cladding off, I did break some clips, I never replaced them or the tape, and I have had no problems. No rattling, no crooked hanging...would save some time and money.

How about if someone did all the prep, and just dropped off the pieces ready for you to spray? If it isn't covered by the warranty anyway, shouldn't matter who does the prep. I would be willing to strip and sand my cladding/insert, drop it off and pick it up later. What would that run?