I just dropped my transmission out a couple weekends back. Dropping the entire subframe is the only way.
To give you an idea of the learning curve: it took me about 7 hours (by myself, on the floor, no air tools) to remove the subframe, axles, and transmission.
It took me about ~3.5 hours to put it back in (which is actually harder as you need to line up the TC and sleeves on the bell housing).
It's not that hard - and removing the subframe gives you GREAT access to many other hard-to-reach-and-see spots (like your PS rack, backside of engine, cat flex pipe).