See http://lowendmac.com/tech/crt_danger.html (disable stylesheets if their ads obscure the text). There is no reason to be afraid of opening up a compact mac. Just leave the HV bits well enough alone. Don't bother them, and they won't bother you.
Also, it is easy to open up a compact mac without damaging it. Just search this forum for any number of excellent, time-tested methods (e.g., the "shake vigorously with the screen a few inches above plush carpet" method).
The SE/30 is a *great* machine for doing what you want. It's the best compact mac ever made. I do like the LCIII as well, but it's not an all-in-one, so it doesn't meet the criteria you specified.
