Bad Day, Very Bad day

Now the million dollar question.....

How easy is it to remove the oil pan with the engine in the car? Any tips or helpful hints?
I have always had the engine out when I remove the pan.

Should I invest in a hardened oil pump shaft? I can get a stock/aftermarket one off the shelf at Autozone or wait to find a hardened one?

We did my Dart with a set of Doug's headers on, stock pan sumpped 2". It was a *****! Only to find out the engine needed to come out because the head gaskets leaked coolant... I used a Melling shaft.

Anyway, it can be done, just depends on your exhaust. Stock Pan?