Yep - removed the coil packs thanks to all the suggestions here. That helped quite a bit. Removing the boots with the 17mm wrench was tough in a couple of locations but the worst part was breaking the plugs loose. I think the knuckle dragger that put them in at the factory used an impact wrench! When they finally broke loose, the quick movement of the wrench left several layers of skin on the valve covers.

Putting them back in, I used the anti-seize and the dielectric grease (as suggested) but didn't use the rubber hose. The socket I used perfectly centered the plug with the threads and they went right it - no problems If nothing else, the dielectric grease made the boots go on MUCH easier.