I've mentioned that I've seen some that must be perfectly on the pointer to come out, some like a half tooth forward, some like a half tooth to the rear. What is consistent though is that if it isn't perfectly aligned where it wants to be, it isn't going to lift out without prying it out, and yes that certainly will damage the denial washer on the quill shaft head. It should lift out with no effort.
I've done a few of these videos and sometimes I'm much more specific and descriptive than other times.
The four bolt advance window cover removal is not necessary, but is helpful to give the technician an idea when the hydraulic head tooth is getting close to where it should be.