I also purchased the Best Buy model on-sale. Apart from the 1060 and the 120hz panel (vs 144hz panel), everything else is literally the same. The raised bottom, the BB model (GU501) is raised at the same height except it just doesn't have the fancy hinge style, it's just rubber feet.
The back cover is really easy to remove, remove the screws and once you pop one corner the rest is easily removed. I had a much easier time removing it then some of the other laptops i've owned. I'm really surprised you didn't even bother to try.
With balanced mode and -100mv and -48mv undervolt on CPU/Cache, I barely go over 80deg during gaming, good 10 deg lower than stock temps. the only part that gets hot is the top area, the keyboard remains cool and the side vents don't blow a lot of air out.
I'm pleased to own this laptop and can easily give it 9.25/10