Yeah, it's rare when you're able to remove these clips intact. For the most part the clips are all there except the little tab that breaks off and renders the clip useless.
I know it's frustrating...perhaps that was the whole intent to be able to use them once and not worry about them for a long time....
And again, these cars weren't meant to be around for as long as they have been, thus the shortage of spare replacement parts.
Your last sentence made me chuckle. The guy in the upholstery shop refers to my wagon as a $3500 mass produced shitbox that GM pump out by the thousands. LOL