my civic has it by the passenger firewall, takes like 3 minutes tops... that sucks! I would consider the accesibility of spark plugs and batteries at pretty high on the list when it comes to a new vehicle.
my cutlass ciera wasn't so bad, even with that fender brace.
All you have to do is have a long extension to get that hold down bolt at the bottom. Squeeze the upper radiator hose significantly out of the way. Tilt the battery 30 degrees... not great for it but nothing spilled on me.
I can almost guarantee sears does it the same way when the customer isn't watching.