When I replaced my front main seal, I just removed the oil pump (just like Steve's picture shows). It was then very easy to remove the old seal and set the new one. At least you don't have to worry as much about damaging the crank that way.
Concerning the oil pump, I actually did use RTV to seal it. I'm pretty sure that somebody recommended that I use it. Oh, I remember - Chilton's.
Anyway, my car's been fine. No, you don't need it, but I don't see that it hurts, either.
Of course, my 133k-mile tranny did fail a year later. So if you want we can blame it on the RTV.
