I'm sure you didn't butcher your rubbers, but FYI, there is a strong tab on the circumference of each cover making them very esay to pull off, especially if you remember to take the plug off first!
But therein lies the rub- getting the %^&* plug off with arthritic fingers.
Nah, no butchering of "rubbers" by me, Bill! I don't need them these days...
The previous owner must have attacked them when he fitted the HID's...They aren't bad but I'd much rather keep dust/water out of the headlights.
Thankfully no arthritis here but those plugs are still bloody hard to remove...