what a nightmare! :(

[C2K]

I've never had one fail to undo when ive had the jack on it

I have, on my Rallye - it happens.

As good practise you should always try to give yourself a fighting chance by a) wire brushing the surface rust off any exposed thread before cracking and b) applying copious quantities of penetrating fluid.

The tip above for ABS sensor removal is the method I also employ, it works very well.

Droplinks never come off, as above. I wrestle the boot open and clamp the ball with mole grips and take them off that way.