Do you remember how much actual work it was to replace the "spinner" with an SSD on that 2012 Mini?
Ohh yes definitely remember...wasn't too long ago.
I've done a hard drive swap on both a 2010 Mac Mini and a 2012 Mac Mini (both exactly the same design).
When I did the HD swap on the 2010 Mac Mini...I followed the instructions to the letter. When I did the 2012 Mac Mini...I realized that some of the steps in the iFixit procedure were unnecessary.
Use this guide to completely replace your mini's hard drive.
www.ifixit.com
*
Step #10 (where the airport/bluetooth wire is disconnected)...I think this step could be skipped...if the "antenna plate" that the wire is attached to is carefully moved out of the way just enough to gain access to the HD (careful to put no stress on the wire).
Removing this wire with a spudger is not too bad...but sometimes pressing the airport wire back onto the airport card can be a pain (you need to press pretty hard sometimes to get it on).
*
Step #13 (where the IR wire is disconnected)...I'm fairly sure this step can be skipped (I don't think it's connected to the hard drive in any way. I did it when I did my 2012 Mini...but only realized after that this step could be skipped.
*
Steps #14, #15, and #16 can be skipped. These steps involve removing screws so the Mini's logic board can be slid out about 0.5"...to give you more room to slide out/remove the Mini's hard drive.
There's enough room to remove the HD without doing these steps. The main problem is sliding the logic board out 0.5" is not very easy (that's why there's a special tool for this).
If the logic board was easy to slide out...I would do it. But since the logic board REALLY doesn't want to come out (after removing the proper screws)...I figured the risk wasn't worth the reward of a little extra space to work with.
Also wanted to let you know (in case you were interested). Two internal drives can be installed inside the 2012 Mac-Mini (just like the server version of the Mini). Need to purchase a special bracket. If installing 2 drives...then I think steps #14, #15, and #16 must be done...since I believe the dual-drive mounting bracket needs extra space for the install.
HTH,
Nick