Yeah, it's 10X easier to sacrifice the cheap component, and save the much more
expensive pcb. Just cut the lugs off on "top", remove the pot, and then it's easy
to remove the lugs one at a time from the bottom, simply by heating with the
soldering iron.
Large devices like pots and multi-pin chips and TO-220 leads are always a huge PITN
to remove without damaging the pcb. Solder wick is generally much better at removing
excess solder than for removing all of it from around a lead.
After removing the part, you can clear the pad out using a stainless steel pin - solder
doesn't stick.