Good luck with changing the strap! I recently did it on my 5707, and may never try it again, for all the reasons you've discovered. (See here .) Meanwhile, this is the second post of yours that makes me rethink the Breguet Marine line in a better light. (
That was like 3 or 4 years ago, and I never looked back.. I bought the root beer in UK when you could still avail tax refund, so, I can just say that my 5707 came at a real bargain price for such a watch.
I wouldn't mind adding this to my collection, but I already have a 5707 wg guilloché dial, and love it... I find it more versatile. It’s like music to my ear