Rear Suspension Bushings

[spsherm@ibm.net]

I posted a question on rear suspension bushings a few days ago and did
not get any response.. so I thought that I'd try again.  There must be
some lister out there that has seen/done these bushings before...

During my annual "align the car before the snow tires," the alignment
shop pointed out to me that the rear suspension bushings were "sagging"
and cracked, and that the rear toe and camber were off...  They
suggested waiting until I did the rear shocks/struts and doing them
then.

My questions for anyone who might know are:

1.  How do rear suspension bushings tend to go on quattros (5000CS). 
Will they last for a while or once they start is it a quick downhill
slide?  (I'm talking about the ones on the lower control arm and the
ones at the bottom of the struts.)

2.  Am I likely to see any noticible effect from these bushings being
worn (center bolt is no longer centered, but not yet loose; and some
cracks in the rubber)?

3.  It looks like a royal PITA to change out these bushings; like one
needs a portable press and a large selection of curse words.  Am I right
or is it that bad?

Any advice, rumors, or histories with these bushing appreciated.

TIA

Steve