4.2L I6 oil leak from valve cover into plug holes

While changing the plugs in my '03 XL, I noticed the threads were wet with oil and wondered where it could be coming from. I discovered that the valve cover seals around each hole was leaking, allowing oil to drip down into each plug hole. But I am dismayed that the repair manual says that I have to discharge my A/C system and remove the one big pipe that crosses over the cover in order to remove it to replace the gasket. The question is: Is discharging really necessary or can I wriggle it out? Could I just loosen the pipe and move it while keeping the system tight? Anyone had experience with this? Any info would be great...thanks!

hey you can move the a/c line out of the way in the front without having to evacuate the refridgerant. you are also supposed to remove the intake but on the 4.2 you can just remove the throttle body and pry the intake out of the way to remove the rocker cover. be careful its all only plastic.