Daniel,
I did the valve locate, drilled the wheel pants, and all lines up fine. But you also have to mark the tire to help locate the valve stem, and then to use the tools to remove the cap and put on the extension was tough.
The practice of taking off the back half of the wheel pants to inspect the tire, wheel, and brakes and of course add air sounds like a good practice. And not that much more work. Either method will have you on the ground working under the wing. IMHO