Colleen,
We did pretty much what Sue did, cept we had to make a door, cause our space was a kick out panel. Al did wire tie any loose wires up, and just pressed back against the wall. We have not had any trouble doing it this way, but, hey, if hubby feels better putting up a small panel of wood (how bout a piece of paneling??) to block things from snaggin any wires, that sounds fine, you are still gonna gain a nice hunk of real estate, eh??
Maybe if he hears that any number of us have done this, he won't be quite so nervous about it. The fact that he is concerned is a good thing, caution is NOT a bad word!