PJ, With the valve train intact the cam will be difficult to turn and it will not be smooth in turning as the spring effect changes from resisting turning to turning the cam forward.The cam bearings usually are a soft babbit like metal overlaying a steel backing for strength.If the soft metal fails (lack of lube)it quickly goes away making clearance between shaft and what ever is left so it usually doesn't seize.The cam bearing failure and sticking in these engines, in my opinion, would be a very unusual failure mode.
If the pan is removed, there are several opportunites to use a pry bar to support the cam outward while driving the gear on.
In my opinion there is no need to rush a project we are enjoying--like eating a good meal.Why hurry when we are enjoying the trip?Now if we are doing it for a living like Jerry said time is money and we are looking for ways to be more efficient.
A stub of GOOD hacksaw blade could split the hub over the key with a few minutes and a little patience or a bearing splitter might be worked behind the naked hub to allow use of a steering wheel type puller.
