I just basically lay the pliers up against the alternator and you can move it about a 1/8 turn each time. It only takes one or two to break the filter loose and then just unspin it by hand. That little rubber dampener is a pain in the ass on my '98 EX but it fits. I remember my hybrid being easier but I also didn't have any PS in the way.

I don't like the cup style filters that go over the end. I have about 4 different sizes but they never seem to be tight enough. I used to have to lay a strip of sandpaper inside and force it over without the paper falling off to even get them to work. I bought my pepboys wrench and never looked back.