I win. Bezel is off.
Used:
Stove, old pan, leather welder's gloves, 2 big channel lock pliers.
Turned the stove to HI.
Waited for it to get RED. Put on the pan to even out the heat.
Put the 2C standing, bezel-end down, on the pan and waited 5 minutes.
I actually used 2 pairs of gloves: wore one pair and used the other to put in between the pliers and body. Came off in one try. NO SCRATCHES ! ! !
The electronics module pops out the top side with just a little push.
Side note: the bezel/threads appear to be 2 pieces. The threads on the bezel side are male going into the body(female) part of the light. Even though I have it apart and can remove the led module and replace the led etc, I still cannot replace the lens(YET !). Looks like I will need to separate the bezel from the threaded insert.The saga continues AFTER this weekend - going to Yosemite !