Not the sophisticated solution you're used to, but it worked so I'll share. With a LH chair all ops on that side tend to be more difficult, but I think this tool might be generally useful even on a solo. I needed my gear lever off so that I could re-position it for my bulky winter boots, but it resisted all attempts to wiggle it off and I didn't want to put a metal lever against the seal. This wooden taper sat between the gear box and lever working around the shaft took just a couple of taps on the top end. It is a bit Flintstones but it worked like a charm. 

Are there any threads out there that address the bulky boot gear leaver position?
I find getting my my new boot firmly positioned underneath the gear lever and in towards the frame not as comfortable as I would like it to be.

Shep, i’m looking at a cam arrangement that will let me switch between Summer/Winter boots. But the immediate issue for me is solved, so that’s back burnered

Car battery terminal removers can be used as gearshift lever removal tools. They're relatively cheap, readily available, and there's enough metal on the lips of the jaws to get underneath the shaft and pull straight out.

Any kind of wedge I've used on a gear shift lever requires you to move the wedge from side to side, to pull evenly.

Great tip Ken, thanks.
Stu