I modified the clips on my AC adapter and Data cable using both methods.

For the AC Adapter I attempted to pull out the pins with a set of pliers, this is hit or miss, depending on where you break then pin you will still have some bit of clip protruding.

For the data cable, I ground down the clips using nothing more than the metal file on my leatherman. I held the leatherman steady and rubbed the male connector back and forth perpendicular to the clips (i.e. sliding the connector side to side) using the fine grain side of the file.

Of the two, I'd say the grinding is more effective, it's much easier than I would have expected to grind the clips down, and more difficult that I would have expected to pull them out. I ended up grinding the excess bits of clip left after pulling them out of the AC adapter anyway.

Be sure to blow out you're connector after grinding to remove any excess metal shavings before connecting it to the n900

Biggest downside seems to be that there is no 'click' that lets you know when the connector is seated, but the built in 'whoosh' sound effect helps mitigate this. Removing the connector feels much less fear inducing now.

Modifying the male connectors is only a temporary preventative measure to try and reduce the stresses on the weakly mounted (and difficult to repair) connector. Most useful for those who do not have a warranty for their n900.

If you are already having intermittent charging/connection issues this sort of modification will likely do you no good.