Quote Originally Posted by Markstack View Post
....You know a car has an issue when you go to get a part and learn that the dealer has a whole kit to address the timing belt and related components. ...
The fact that this kit is widely available isn't an indication of an "issue". Every make/model that has a timing belt instead of a metal chain will have the same requirement to change timing belt-related parts on a regular schedule. And when it's an interference engine, this maintenance becomes much more critical than if it isn't.

....One can, with considerable trouble, rotate it with a pair of pliers with a 40mm end gap, but such is not easy when you need to line up the timing marks on the cam gears and the drive shaft at the same time. ...
Not really understanding what you mean there, because the belt goes over all 3 sprockets first and the marks get lined up at that time. After that the pump is turned to apply the tension, and there should be no need to watch the marks while turning the pump. Yes, you double check them again afterwards, but the belt normally won't jump a tooth during tensioning.

.... To relieve the tension on the Cam pulleys, I decided to loosen the spark plugs. Of course to do so, one needs to take off the cam cover—about 24, or so, long bolts. ....
Not necessary to remove the valve cover to loosen/change the plugs - only the top deco cover needs to come off (unless the '07 is different than '06).

.... so if you contemplate removing the plugs, blow out the ports first with a compressor and an air gun. ...
You can avoid the mess from the compressor, by just pushing a clean rag down the well with a long very thin screwdriver, or other suitable metal object which is thin enough to circle around down past the plug into the well.