What is eradication of the fetter of identity-view (sakkāya-diṭṭhi)? I'm asking this question based on this comment and this question.

It is well known that the goal of Buddhism is to end suffering.

However, it is popularly mistaken (as seen in the cited comment and question) that Buddhists have to rush towards destroying their sense of self, skipping over the balanced wholistic practice of the Noble Eightfold Path. I think this is not correct.

The ten fetters have the eradication of the identity-view or belief in a self (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) as a lower fetter, that has to be done in order to become a sotapanna or stream winner.

However, a stream winner, has still not yet eradicated the fetters of sensual desire, ill will, material-existence-desire, immaterial-existence-desire, conceit and ignorance.

I take it that total eradication of the sense of self happens with the eradication of the higher fetters, especially ignorance (avijja).

After all, if the sense of self has been totally eradicated by the stream winner, it does not make sense that he could still have conceit, right?

So, my question here is, if eradication of the lower fetter of identity-view or belief in a self (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) is not the complete eradication of a self, then what is it really?

Is it an intellectual understanding of not-self? Or is it more?

Is it an opinion? Is it a belief? Is it an experience?

How is the eradication of the lower fetter of identity view different from total eradication of the sense of self?
The ten fetters have the eradication of the identity-view or belief in
  a self (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) as a lower fetter, that has to be done in
  order to become a sotapanna or stream winner.


It's actually the other way around, meaning becoming a stream enterer will be 'done' before the belief in a self is eradicated.

After becoming a stream enterer you'll realise that you are nothing more than a process (for the lack of words).
Before becoming a stream enterer the mind will pick and observe one of the three characteristics: anicca, dukkha or anatta. And when this characteristic is understood/seen completely the mind will release and let go.

And even though the stream winner knows then, from experience, that (s)he is nothing more than a process it doesn't mean that (s)he also experience everything impersonal. Awareness itself for instance will still feel as 'I am aware of this or that'. The difference is between deeply knowing from experience (entering the stream) and experiencing or feeling, or sense of self as you put it.

That sense of self will be eradicated with the uprooting of conceit.