I currently can't raise it
First, I need a longer monitor cable for one of my monitors, it should be here Monday.
Second, I am not strong enough

Once I resolve the first issue, I'm going to see if it is possible to lift from underneath. Failing that, I'll have to use two bottle jacks, one stacked on the other (since the damn things only raise about 7" and I need about 12")... although now that I type that I'm thinking I may try with my garage floor jack first, will take up more room in here but should do the trick

)
Another issue I am having is the PC is in my way... in the last picture, it is crowding my leg space and I can't put the chair under the desk... as of this posting, I have it turned side ways and against the wall, but I'm kicking it a lot as it is crowding my foot room

I'm thinking of building some shelves behind the desk, which would give me some 'storage' and also a place for things like router & modem that don't need to go up and down... but it would also push the desk further into the room.
sooo right now my "issues: are:
1. how to raise desk up & down (maybe resolved):
Issue: too heavy.
Possible resolutions:
a. maybe from underneath - might not be safe, might get off balance and topple desk,
b. maybe floor jack - takes up room while not in use, takes room to use,
c. double stacked bottle jack - might not be safe, since double stacked, it gives 2 points for them to 'kick out' and I might need to build some sort of guide/frame to prevent that.
2. how to build a better mounting bracket:
Issue: I like the multiple points of articulation, the older monitors want to "roll under" and I fear with all the vibration of going up and down that they will not stay put.
Possible resolution:
a. new (lighter) monitors - costs money, old monitors function perfectly fine, just heavy
Edit: just ordered 2 20" asus monitors, they have speakers but were much lighter than anything else in that size/price range.
3. where to put PC (and router and modem):
Issue: PC sharing space with leg/foot room, modem & router don't need to remain on desk (and their cabling might be an issue).
Possible resolution:
a. Shelves behind desk - pushes desk further into room.