I did this job for the first time today, been putting it off since I bought the car in 2012 due to the dip stick tube issue.

So I did have two problems, the fist was pulling out the tube, it didn't want to come out so I opted for cutting open the retainer hoop.

I used this chisel to cut through the hoop, lots of light taps rather than heavy blows.



I was able to cut through the hoop and lever it out of the way.



The second issue was disconnecting the fuel rail supply pipe. I had a suitable tool but wasn't able to compress it into the joint with just my fingers. Instead used two sets of channel locks to force it in then a third hand to manoeuvre the connector off.



Apart from these challenges is was fairy straightforward.

I'll drive it for a few days before deciding if the other side needs done, it was previously replaced 10 years or so ago.

 

Well done, but I think you went through some unnecessary trouble here. For the fuel rail, a fuel/ a/c quick-disconnect tool would have worked. They can be bought cheap at any parts store.

For the dipstick, I find that pulling on it slow and firmly while bracing with the other hand pulls it out without removing it from the block. Just don't yank on it too hard.