I am going for years with both my vehicles to a local garage, and will continue doing so with the Stinger.
Of course, updates and recalls are handled by the dealer, but regular maintenance like oil changes, brakes etc. will be done by my guy.
I take the oil & filter to him and he puts the car on the hoist and does his thing. The valve and planned improved access are just for him to make it easier and faster.
After all, he only charges $20 for this. It's not worth it for me do it all by myself to save the 20 bucks.
Crawling around under the car, wiping the floor for any spills afterwards, getting rid of the oil at a garage after. These days are over for me. Been there, done it.
Going to my guy is so much easier. And you develop a relationship. You can look under the car and check for yourself to find anything amiss. Not something the dealer will let you always do, claiming insurance reasons.
If the engine light comes on, or there is any other indicator, he will give me immediate service and tell me whether it's a go or no go.
I suggest you do something similar.
There was no mess when he took the filter cartridge out. You drop the oil first of course, and then open the access to the filter and reach in.
He knows how to do it, but do I want dirty oil running down my arm? His position from below and straight up is probably better than anything you can achieve without a hoist.
Again, it's worth the extra bucks. Twice a year?
