You are totally over analyzing this. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Just take it apart. If the rest of the timing cover has to come off, so be it. If you pull the head bolts, the head actually tips forward and there is plenty of slack in the timing belt to get the cam sprocket off.

As far as wedging anything, anywhere...go for it if needed. The force comes from the resistance of the cam on the valves and springs and the rest of the system. An engine is not a friction free thing.

Good Luck,
Michael