In a word, yes.
BUT! As you said....If you mess something up you're dead in the water and getting to that mechanic an hour away might become really difficult.
I would live with your current points (you did say that it's running well right now) and hold on to the Pretronix gizmo until your next visit with the mechanic and ask to watch while they swap them out, just to see how it's done. THAT way, he'll install it and check the timing (because you'll ask him/her to) and you'll see how that is done, too. It only takes a half-hour to swap them and would be a good learning experience.
Might be nice to find a VW hobbiest closer to you (Google VW air cooled Clubs near me) who can be a mentor to you, too......