Just to close the loop (well, MY loop anyway) on this, I've finished my version of the release. Again, hats off to Dave for taking the time to figure out the main issue is that the current way the system works requires a lot of force to release the latches. I was able to retain the stock hand release as a backup as well. It's pretty much as Dave did his except I drilled a second hole in the little latch release lever (for lack of a better description) just below the hole where the rod normally insert and attached a small "S" hook. Although there is already a second hole its position makes it much harder to release the latch and requires more force than we really want to apply.
I made a loop at the end of the pulling wire/cable, crimped with the appropriately sized wire crimps, then hooked the loop over the end of the "S" hook. I also used standard bicycle "barrel adjusters" at each end of the cable so I can adjust for slack and stretching easily if need be. I used an Audi trunk release (as per below) that I've used before (and had one around) as they are very compact, light, strong for their size, readily available, cheap, etc. I've used this for the filler flap release and trunk/boot release. In fact, its so small I was able to cut an opening in the inside of the trunk lid, install it then make a cover for the hole. It fits perfectly and looks about as OEM as it can. Try to find one with the rod attached as that's pretty useful.
It all works extremely well and far better than my original version!