Are the 2016 wimpy-retention ThunderBolt-3 ports still replaceable?

Thanks, I did look at the back and confirm that I've got an A1706.

Oh, I've had Mac laptops open before, so that doesn't bother me, even if parts of the A1706 teardown do look like a PITA -- but my question is whether the parts offered by iFixit will be from the same lot that wimped out before, or whether they represent the redesign I was told about that should address that. (Or was the premature failure a feature of the topcase springs?)

Thanks for mentioning the possible failure of topcase springs -- does the distance I have to tear down to discover those exceed the distance for swapping the USBC modules, by a significant amount?

In case it gives any diagnostic cues, the degradation is recognizable not only by poor retention but by the absence of the firm click that I get with the very same cable ends when I plug them into either of my USBC power bricks (the one for the Macbook or the one for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Do THOSE devices have a retention part analogous to the Macbook's to case springs?

I can't answer what iFixit has for parts, I'm just someone who likes to help others as an unpaid volunteer, trying to help my fellow Mac-heads! Best to reach out to them.

What I can tell you is the USB-C standards group defines how the retention/EMC element needs to work. Each vendor can design their own solution as long as it meets the standard USB Type-C Connectors and Cable Assemblies Compliance Document Revision 2.0

Follow this guide to Step 66 MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar Late 2016 Battery Replacement to take out the logic board. Once out you can then reach the ports screws and gain access to the springs