2nd question -- the sucker is really in an awkward spot. It seems like i'd have to unpot this guy to get to it. Is that reasonable?

1st question: I would not disbud this plant unless you are growing it for a show. If you disbud, your leaves will get bigger and later on, you will get more blooms, but personally, I like to enjoy the flowers now!
2nd question: I would not repot just to remove the sucker at this time. Let the sucker grow out just a little bit and it will be easier to remove. Do you have any long handled tweezers? They work pretty well for pulling suckers out.
Your plant looks healthy and, for now, I say enjoy it the way it is today!

Thanks but question 2 is no longer valid -- I got it with a garnishing knife :-P

I gotta ask..what the heck is a garnishing knife?

Haha, It's just a small knife use for decorating (like making things out of fruit or vegetables) or cutting small foods. I've never used it until now, it just came in my knife set.