[lunarscape]

>pop it in when the old one starts to lose its ability to hold a charge.

They can.

It's not as bad as you suggest. The battery is not glued in place and can be replaced if you have the correct screwdriver. (http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus+4+Teardown/11781/2)

[klausa]

> We make it look easy, but the battery is secured to the case with quite a bit of adhesive, requiring a lot of prying.

I seems like you only looked ad the pictures and didn't read the text.

[lunarscape]

oops.. linked to first pics I could find. Another review stated the battery was easily removable but iFixIt is probably the better source.