I have replaced most of my hoses by entering through the space behind the radiator. I also replaced the thermostat while in there. Larry helped me remotely to work through it - "thank you Larry (white phone), I could not have completed the job without your guidance".
It is certainly no easy job working in the small spaces available and especially if you are working with the ST sitting on the workshop floor. It sounds like you are half-way there though, so keep going I suggest. Just take your time, be patient, it can be done.
I found one of the nasty bits is that the new hoses are very tight to fit on the spigots they seat one. Also be aware not to mix the left (#9) and right (#7) hoses. One is slightly shorter than the other. I mixed mine up and incorrectly mounted them both (double pain). The part no, is on the plastic bag each hose comes in but not on the hose itself.
I replaced the 'O' rings (#24) - both sides, un-bolting the L&R housings that bolt onto the cylinder heads (sorry, they do have a name), so this might give you some confidence that you can complete your hose replacement. The space is tight, and my 'paws' are pretty large too.
Cheers, D