I do not get on my knees. I use a large magnet on a broom stick (the one that holds kitchen knifes with vilted pads on both ends so that it hovers just millimetres above he floor). Just broom your room and you will find éverything that is magnetic.
The winding position is indeed the best position for removing the stem. When reinserting on a 7750 you need to push the stem release button for a smooth instalment. The 28xx series does not require to push the stem release button when reinserting. Just click it in.