I always use an impact or "impact action" with a punch, with nothing in the
combustion chamber, just the plug in place.
I also work on these for a living, and have not damaged anything yet.
However, using an impact, or any method, involves some use of common
sense and self control.
A long time ago, I was removing a manifold from my truck, and I listened to
a guy preaching against impact wrenches, so I used a big ratchet, and
broke the first bolt, then used an impact on the rest, and they came out without
a problem. Spent more time and money on the broken bolt than the rest of the job.....
Moral of the story, I am not sure...........
Don't believe just anyone, I guess.......