Well operating elements and related methods are described. One embodiment may take the form of a method that includes deploying a well operating element having first and second components into a well bore, wherein the second component is soluble in the selected wellbore environment and whose rate and/or location of dissolution is at least partially controlled by structure of the first component. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).