I guess that's my confusion because the text of #1 is:
Remove Subaru factory oil supply banjo bolt. Located on the back of the head between motor and up pipe. Optional: Remove the filter. Replace banjo bolt.
If it's optional, why even follow step #1? Shouldn't it read:
Optional: Remove Subaru factory oil supply banjo bolt. Located on the back of the head between motor and up pipe. Remove the filter. Replace banjo bolt.
Instead it seems as though removing the filter is optional, but the rest of the step is required.
Just to be clear I knew I wanted to remove the filter (and did), but I just wanted to make sure I'm not missing something.