Bnsfengineer... your answers...

1) I only jacked up the car a couple of inches on one side to gain easier access to the center pin on the lower cover. I could have done it without jacking it up. This, of course, will depend upon how large you are!!! NO lifting was needed for any other access to oil drain or filter access.

2) You could just remove the cover, but it is supposed to have some impact on MPG. I also like the fact that stuff remains clean above the cover. Makes it easier to spot oil leaks coming from your vehicle (instead of oil splashed on the under-surfaces from the road). I've heard that you could just remove the front clips and bolts from the cover and fold it back enough to gain access to the drain plug and filter. This would cut the access time back considerably. I didn't try this, but it looks like it would be possible.

3) Bought my filter (and the drain plug washer) from the Honda dealer. I think it was about $6.