2019 Rav4 non-Hybrid rear seat

I finally got the cushion to come up and release and I was right in thinking that my previous attempts were beginning to damage the styrofoam seat cushion. Fortunately I stopped before the damage was severe. So here is what I tried later on: I fashioned a small steel tool into an L shape (made out of heavy wire something about 3/32" diameter) and rounded the end a little. I used this to slip in and try to release some of the tension from the plastic ears in the socket that holds on to the steel loop that comes out of the seat cushion. I then removed the tool. I put a little spray lube down into these same plastic sockets that holds the steel loops that come out of the seat cushion. I fashioned a sturdy wooden tool (in a rather chunky U-shape) that was just wide enough to slide past the same steel loop coming out of the bottom of the seat cushion. This tool must be thin enough to go between the cushion and the floor when the cushion is lifted up a little. With this tool that provides better support to the rather fragile styrofoam cushion; I was able to pry upwards. I used a small pry-bar and a wooden block as a fulcrum under the bar in order to apply upward force to the C shaped wooden tool that was inserted under the seat cushion. The steel loop finally popped up out of the plastic retaining socket. Both sides released with no further damage to the structure of the seat cushion. Success! Some things to know: The cushion and hardware for my 2019 RAV4 are just like I saw in a few videos that made the removal look so easy. So at least you can trust what you see in the videos, at least, that it is built like they show. Also notice that there are wires from the harness in these areas; be very careful if you must pry on things like I did. It was a cool day when I tried the seat cushion removal (40 degrees) and perhaps the Plastic hardware was stiff from the low temperature. Had I waited for a warm afternoon, or had access to a heated garage; things may have gone easier. I hope this helps; if you come across the same problem.