FWIW the shop manual that i have recommends cleaning the oil screen every 2nd oil change - as opposed to the 15,000 mile point that you mentioned. in any case, i'm a novice so my primary objective is just getting my hands dirty and getting comfortable doing my own maintenance, so i don't mind a little overkill. nothing like learning by doing!
There's also learning the hard way, being stranded/lying in a ditch on some back road waiting for that one buddy with a pickup truck. I'm the same as you. Mechanically inclined just enough to be dangerous, so I'd rather just do it so I know what's what next time I'm going to attempt to brake my own bike, but be sure to double/triple check all your work and take your time. Nothing will jack up a good repair job like having to assemble, realizing you missed something, disassemble, reassemble, get distracted, forget to tighten something...etc. Good luck!
