Sorry, but as long as stooopid auto manufacturers add more and more stooopid covers, you will have to pay the surcharge. And, even though the plastic cover is easy and quick to remove, mechanics need to make a living. An oil change is a 5 minute plug pull & filter swap. When the automakers make it difficult(and turn it into a 1/2 hour exercise), you will pay for it. Add the extra time for correct filter removal/installation on the 2.3, and $25 seems reasonable enough. Hourly shop rates aren't cheap.
I actually get offended when people cry about the amount they pay their mechanic. Its funny that they have no problem wasting that money on gambling, latte, beer, or other less important garbage.
For those that don't get charged a small surcharge, I'd seriously worry about the 'quality' of the job being performed. My favorite is a vehicle in which some grease monkey 'lost' the cover. I've also seen holes cut into some by quick lube hacks. You get what you pay for. And, when you try to be cheap, you get what you deserve!