Update: it came off fine, just a few taps with the rubber mallet. Once that was out of my way, I was able to assess the carnage, pretty bad, was not a rod issue as described after all, looks like the screws that hold the air filter housing on rattled into the engine and banged up both chambers, and pistons. Both intake valves had closed on 2 of the screws, other chunks of piston. Not all bad as the case is fine, save for some light scoring that should clean up in one cylinder. The crank, and both rods seem fine, I need to check the intake valves again, both seem like they may be usable, not sure yet. The heads took the brunt of the damage and will cost the most. Pricey parts. Will see if I can get them tig welded and repair the chamber surface as they are pretty bad.
Some more pics