I like the K&N filter because it has the nut on the end that's the same size as the drain plug. Doesn't help you now, but definitely makes removal easier.
Ironically, the one I had to mangle, in the story above, *was* a K&N with the "nut on the end". The nut is shallow and rounded, so there is no good way (in my experience) to apply enough torque to actually remove a stuck filter. Don't get me wrong- I like K&N filters, and I still use them. Just don't expect that nut will help much if the filter is too tight. It is very convenient when not overtightened.
Now, how did mine get over-tightened? Not sure. I applied oil to the gasket, as always. And I hand-tightened it. Perhaps I just went too far, even by hand. Perhaps contaminates. Who knows. Thankfully it happened only once, and after that, I made sure never to crank it down, even by hand.