spark plug changes (VAG content)

[Lines Peter]

Over the weekend, I had a difficult time removing the sparks plugs from a
'98 GTI 2.0L.  I had originally changed them at 40k miiles, and I did use
anti-seize on the threads.  I'm now at 80k miles, and they were very
difficult to remove.  I had to screw them out a bit, lube with WD-40, then
in, out, lube, etc...  to avoid trashing the head.  I used ALOT of
anti-seize when puting the new ones in this time.  Hopefully the 120k
service will go smoother.  Does anyone have any magic lube other than
anti-seize that works better on plugs?  I've never had issues with the plugs
on the Audi I5 motors and I've changed plugs on that one several times.
Speaking of Audi I5 plug changes does anyone have any clever tricks for
cleaning the grit and gunk away from the plug before removing it?  I always
blast it with an air gun, but it doesn't always get all the "baked on" gunk.
I'm afraid of grit dropping into the cylinder when I remove the plug.
Thanks.

Peter Lines