I've replaced the LCD panel on a 2009 13" and it was not hard. Just requires patience, a heat gun, a suction cup (I used the one from my car GPS windshield mount), and micro screwdrivers (phillips and torx). It's a fairly advanced project but beats buying a new computer. The LCD panels are inexpensive and even if you break the glass, replacements of that are also not expensive.
I've pulled apart my 15" and can confirm that the 1680*1050 panel is the same connector as the low-res 1440*900 panel. Retina is different completely and I think a lot of people on this thread are confused about that.