Jake.... in theory, if your filter gets totally plugged, the relief valve should allow oil to bypass the element. Light spring pressure, and a poor seal, could allow full time filter bypass. Not a good idea. There were lots of good replacements made years ago, I have one actually “made in the USA”, but some new stuff is crap.
Honda used a 12mm head on the originals, in an effort to prevent over torquing, but usually it was just impossible to remove when too tight... look for a good, used original, and torque lightly.