OK here is how to get plugs out that were in forever..

Once you hit resistance - you GO back in for 1/2 turn or 180 degrees.
Then back out until resistance
then back in.

Eventually you'll get the plugs out this way.
If you man handle them out without backing them in and out.
You may ruin the threads in the head.

 

Success! I drove it today, then let it cool for about four hours so the engine was still warm, but not hot, and I guess the combination of that and several days of hitting it with the PB did the trick - I was kinda surprised how easily they came out.

I was also mildly shocked to find that the plugs look surprisingly normal - at first I thought the electrode wear was a bit excessive, but looking at pics on the 'net, it appears that the PYPB4 has a tapered electrode to begin with.

I did discover that the driver's side is a LOT easier once you pop off the intake tube between the MAF and the throttle body...even then I still did a pretty good number on my knuckles.

I definitely need to do the wires, gonna order some 8mm this week - the factory ones are a little on the rough side. I anticipate that being a battle, as well...

Thanks for the help guys!