Apple Watch S6 Stuck “top” band

I absolutely cannot get the band off my watch. Stock rubberized band from the box after trying several in the past. Recently, it’s really started to disagree with my skin, so I decided to buy another band and change it out. That’s been a big no-go, as the “top” part of the band is completely stuck - the half that slides into top of watch.

the button won’t depress, I’ve tried 91% iso alcohol qtip applications to the band insert and button while working both the band as well as the button. All this did was scratch up the button, and has started now detaching the band from the lock mechanism it’s attached onto in the slot. I’ve been trying for about three weeks off and on with alcohol as well as other methods - but no lubricants or the like (that’s obviously a bad idea).

Becoming an unreal amount of frustrated that I can’t wear the watch I paid a lot to get. I’ve scoured the help pages, ZDNet articles, I’m out of ideas here and don’t want to damage my watch any further or break the band as these don’t work well in pocket watch form.

Severely disappointed and hoping someone can help, I’ve had the watch since Series 6 launch.