Yes I can solder, although I'm going to go for the easy (lazy) solution and order an extension cable for the MS and place the battery pack in the rear pocket of the pannier, that way I can protect the battery pack from condensation/rain, and take it up to the office with me to top up the charge.

I also found an ideal connector which I will use when the original connectors fail (notice the "when" and not the "if"!).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-JNEG-2-P...-/370883396434