Unfortunately the company I work for stupidly negotiated a fully inclusive contract upto a vast sum. The manager decided that as the company has to pay for it the cheapest option counts.
Pointless in my opinion. Going to cost more in the long run I think.
Agree with your idea - so cut where the pipe cutter fits, extend the new valve ports and retrofit new valve with longer ports into condenser. At least that way the valve is protected.
Going to be a sh1te job tho. Not looking forward to it.