If you guys are going to try soldering, I'd really recommend using Kapton tape. It's a high temperature resistant tape that can prevent you from damaging any of the adjacent components inadvertently. Btw, an SMD soldering guide with Kapton tape: http://ultrakeet.com.au/index.php?id...=kaptonMasking

Have you guys had any luck with using the tabs? If you are going to try and flash it using the extra pads, make sure you connect the GND (ground) pads as well. The VCC (5v) might be optional, but I'd rig everything in properly.