I didn't read the whole thread, but there's another "easy" way to get the top mount off of any macpherson strut vehicle. Just loosen the top strut nut off with the weight of the car on the wheels and totally remove that nut, THEN follow the rest of the steps. With the weight of the car on the wheels the strut won't budge, but as you jack it up the spring will decompress and will be easy to remove.
Doesn't help with older hondas or the rears here though
