I hear you. Nickels and dimes add up quick! The right stuff is super sealant. I think you just need it on one side and I'd put it on the engine face just so you don't ding it putting the cover on. Every time I replace mine the oil pump has turned a little and I have to move the front cover around to get it on, inevitably hitting my rtv on something.

Final note: be sparing on the rtv you use on the front cover. When you press it together it will squish out (both inside and outside). That's why I spread it with my finger and try to time the operation so that it is still sticky yet has some integrity when I put the pieces together, then wait a little before tightening.

The right stuff is really good sealant. I use a cheaper version of it. Having an rtv that dispenses itself saves you getting it everywhere and having inconsistent thickness.

FWIW, I had to remove and replace my oil pan yesterday and (1) since I use rtv on it, too, I clean and reuse the gasket unless it is stretched, dried, or broken and (2) except for the two bolts on the back, bottom, I use extensions to reach the front, bottom (of the oil pan/bellhousing). On bellhousing bolts in general (except for the top ones) I try to be as far as possible from them and it seems to make them easier to get in and off.

I had oil that had less than ten minutes run time in it when I dropped my pan. For the first time ever, I used a super clean bucket to catch it, and poured it right back in. The expense adds up.