I wouldn't say the paper cartridge filters are troublesome. I simply use a thin band type of filter wrench as a 'belt and braces' approach just in case the filter cap is tighter than I would like, even though it had just been nipped up on fitting. The 2 mins it takes to get the filter wrench out of the drawer, fit and tighten on the housing makes sense to me. The one I did that prompted me to start doing this several years ago was a result of the housing just turning slightly when I undid the cap. I ended up having to sort out the right size of allen key socket, the correct length of small extension, removing and cleaning all surfaces etc and refitting the housing before fittng the new filter and the cap.
So 2 mins to prevent it turning in my opinion is time well spent.
Oh, and I use a flexi head ratchet spanner on the hex head of the cap which I think allows better access, rather than a more bulky ratchet and socket.
Haven't we gone off topic on a bit of tangent again here...?