Install IEC male socket or not??

The only alternative I came up with would be to take an IEC inlet and trace it (scribe) to a small, square piece of material, cut it out to perfect size, then use it as an overlay-template guide.

Surely, a company that does mods must use some modern method (IEC punch) other than nibbling or a dremel tool.

I'll call a few places tomorrow and ask.

Yes there is an IEC chassis punch available from Greenlee; I don't know where but I saw one in a catalog somewhere...

Actually there is a simple method to modify for testing upgrade cords without butchering the back panel, and at nominal cost. If you like the results then that can be done later... If not then you can easily go back to stock. I have previously posted this many times; here it is again:

Start by getting a male-prong IEC (which you may end up installing later - or not) there's many sources for this.
Cut the stock cord within about 6" of the component. Strip the ends and solder on your IEC. Use heat shrink sleeving, or at very least electrical tape, to insulate the bare connections.

If you want to return to stock cord, then just strip both the ends and solder-splice together again (or use butt-crimp connectors). Again use heat shrink sleeving for a professional appearance. You can heat the sleeving with the soldering iron, or a hot hair dryer, or even a butane lighter if you're careful.

a slightly more attractive alternative is to get one of these. I have used these in a few situations but don't like the pig tale dangling. They can be as effective as a flush mount IEC though, and super easy to install.
Parts Connexion use to stock them but I couldn't find a good quality on their site this am.