OK, in the future I will recommend that the engine should be pulled out of the car to change the serpentine belt and tensioner because you don't have to be a contortionist that way.

Thank you for your service.

In my case changing the plugs qualifies as a 2 day job; 1 day to recover from the drugs required for the pain. Might as well do some other stuff while I'm at it.

Please re read my post "Arguing with the service manual is just stupid." There is no mention of your way or mine.

Any ways; the point is that it is much easier to get the transfer tube in and out if you drop the exhaust pipe out of the way. You don't have to. In my case; I was laying under the car and spending the 3 minutes to undo the 5 nuts involved made it so my elbows had room to maneuver, I have relatively long arms. If I was standing under the car on a lift it may have been easier. It is even easier if the engine is on a stand, but you have to get it there first.