Thta is a great shortcut, Spike! If I do it that way, what is the best way to tighten it without spinning the engine?

 

Wedge a pry bar in between the crank and the block or floor, then using a torque wrench tighten her back up.
Then put your oil pan back on.

 

If the crank pulley can be secured for tightening by some other means, is it required to drop the oil pan to change the seal? Or is it just good practice because you are already there, covered with automatic underbody anti-corrosion fluids, etc?

 

No you do not need to drop the oil pan to replace the front crank seal.

 

Check the shoulder on the crank pulley, they have a common habit of splitting. I'm not saying that yours is but it's the reason I had to replace my front cover seal and guess what.......your oil pump is right behind that seal. No seal, no oil pressure, oil soaked shoes.