I've found the Champion plugs have a different coating on the heads themselves that make it a little easier to get them out. I had problems on the Autolites that were in the truck when I got it. And stupid me I never put anti-sieze on the new Autolites I put in after I swapped the Champs out. However, I did a plug swap on my dad's truck not to long ago and the plugs were easy to get out. 32k mi on them too.

 

I use anti-seize on the plug threads, too. Glad you mentioned it!