Problem solved. Did some careful, cross-referenced research on CRT servicing procedures and precautions, ascertained that the yoke is safeish, at least with the machine powered down and allowed to auto-discharge some. Just to make sure tho, I used a hollow-plastic handled screwdriver with a shaft that only goes as far as the base of the handle, wrapped from top to bottom in electrical insulating tape just to make sure, and stood in a cardboard box with rubber soled shoes, and one hand behind my back to minimize any risks.

I carefully loosened off both clamps but it appears the rear is the one i am most concerned with for the purposes of yoke tilt adjustment... turned it the oppposite direction to the way the screen display was rotated, and gently tightened both clamps up just tight enough to secure the yoke in position without damaging anything. Put the shell back on it, booted it up and it was far better. The allignment was still slightly off... with it sitting a bit down and to the left, and ever ever so noticably tilted, but well within the viewable area now and easily able to be straightened out to where i want it with the monitor geometry panel with plenty of adjustment to spare. I could get it better if I fiddled with the yoke further but i think illl leave that until the plastics absolutely need to come off again.