it does look that way, but as someone who doesn't cuz I'm a slight guy, the general technique of squishing the tire into the rim as much as you can all around, to gain a few mm's of extra play for the final push, certainly helps me and my slight hands.

that said, some tire/rims combos are a bear. On the bike of a friend of mine that I tried taking off and putting on a conti touring whatever, it was just bonkers how hard it was, and was only doable by her husband with strong hands and his super strong and thick tire levers (twice as wide and strong as my old regular ones that have always worked fine)

I know you don't want to, but do try it again with some old straps, two works really well and allows the extra play to get transfered up to the end bit to get over the rim.
I would hate to have a tire rim combo from hell in the rain, in the dark, would be frustrating as heck.