Ive always just disconnected the fuel line at the fuel rail, as you stated its under pressure and will spray a bit, just then put the end of the line into a water bottle or something to catch the fuel...

as for the trans, do you have an auto or a 5 spd? the couple times I went out through the top I put a 2x4 from my strut tower bar to the rad support and ran a ratchet strap between the two under the trans. Make sure you dont pinch your clutch line, those are a _____ and a half to replace