I did not need access to the nut below the shift knob on my integra. No messing with the boot, collar or anything else. Just unscrew the factory shift knob itself and it will back right off. You will have to turn it pretty hard at first. My new shift knob lined up perfectly straight, nice and...
I changed my shifter without removing the boot. I just turned the shift knob counterclockwise (it takes some initial force) and it unscrewed easily after that.