There is NO way I believe anyone has changed the filter from up top. You cant even see it much less change it and put another one on...
You don't know what I have seen; you won't acknowledge what I have learned. - Galileo Galilei
(Lack of knowledge

) + (lack of imagination ) EQ stubborn belief

NE reality

.
Refusing to accept the possibility that something could be possible will certainly make it very difficult for you to achieve it, because you won't attempt it whole-heartedly, and if you did achieve it, you wouldn't believe that you had, so you must have failed. :lol: ( Don't try to change my mind with facts, I know what I believe - George W Bush)
The first time I had to change the filter I tried from the bottom. I couldn't get enough torque to break the seal from the bottom; the cup wrench I had wouldn't seat and kept slipping off. I'd changed other filters from the top, so I decided to try. I couldn't reach the filter from the side of the car while standing on the ground, the Element is too tall, so I looked for ways to raise myself up.
I found that by laying on top of the engine on my right side, I could reach down and easily grab the filter with my hand. (I have a 34" sleeve length). It's a clear straight shot down with nothing in the way. From the top I was able to position the cup wrench, get it seated firmly by tapping on it with a hammer, and remove the filter. I can see part of the back end of the filter by leaning over the right fender, raising myself on my toes and looking down. It helps to know what you are looking for and where to look, and good lighting and a step stool would make it easier.
Once the filter has been properly lubricated and replaced - tightening it
hand tight - it can be removed from top or bottom, but my experience is that it is less messy to remove the old filter from the top than to try to maneuver it down around the suspension members. Because I have to get under the car anyway to drain the oil, I do this now using a stick across the top of the engine and a 36" -14 ga solid electrical wire.