Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Problems with bathtub removal

My home was built in 1978. Far as I know, the plumbing, shower parts, and steel bath tub are original. Earlier today, I tore out all of the harvest gold tile and sheetrock beneath exposing the studs. My intentions were to remove the tub, shower, and faucet and replace all. Problem #1: I have so far been unsuccessful in removing the shoe strainer from within the tub. I tried the hammer and chisel trick. Further, there is very little workspace in between the drain end of the bath tub and wall preventing me from being able to loosen any of the visible slip nuts. To make matters worse, I believe that corrosion has caused the trap and waste tee to become one as I can not see the flats on the slip nut where you would apply a wrench. Anyone see a problem in taking a hacksaw to the shoe elbow and waste tee above the trap? It will be a tight fit and will excercise my patience immensely, but I see no other choice. Say this works and I'm able to sever the bath waste assembly from the tub, how am I supposed to place the new bath waste assembly on the new tub with such limited space? Can it be done before installing the new tub? Problem #2: I can move the non-drain end of the tub approximately 1/16" off of a stud with a crowbar. I see no fasteners holding the tub to the wall and fail to believe there could be some form of mechanical fastener under the tub cuz I can't fathom how someone would install it. Why is this tub not moving? I know the bath waste assembly has to be severed from the tub prior. Problem #3: I have heard of plumbers using plaster of paris underneath tubs for support. I looked under the non drain end of mine through a small hole in an adjoing wall and it appears to be filled from floor to tub with dirt. I can see how enough dirt would do the job, but has anyone ever heard of using dirt for this? What I really fear is termites. Prior to moving into this residence four years ago, we were advised of a "previous" termite problem which was "fixed". Perhaps that dirt is their 29 year old mound. I have yet to see any termites down there, but I have seen proof of their past existence on the studs. Your help would be greatly appreciated in this dilemma.