Pick up a tool kit for your bike. The spark plug wrench that comes with it is made for the job. I don't have to remove anything. Then slip a piece of gas line over the end to use as a handle to reinstall. You'll never accidentally cross thread it that way(maybe, but you'd have to try really hard).
Oil pan? You mean the filter housing? That should be able to maneuvered out without taking off the exhaust.