after google search for ways to remove the alternator cover (replacing starter), I came across an obscure post on ducati.ms and a MUCH easier way to remove the alternator cover.
1. Remove Clutch Slave
2. Remove all bolts (as duckstew said, draw a little diagram to keep them straight, as they are different lenghts. I took a piece of cardboard and sketched the alignment and then inserted the bolts in their respective spot for easy re-assembly)
3. Re-install Clutch slave and its three bolts.
4. SLOWLY pull in the clutch lever.
5. BAM. Cover pops off and you can get it off with your hands. Obviously, remove the clutch slave again.
The post I read said to do it twice and no more because you could lose the piston on the slave. I did it once and it worked just fine.
Just an FYI for those that don't want to spend 25$ on a useless tool that is rarely used or take the time to make one.
This totally works... and can even work when you don't want it to. My bike developed an oil leak due to the action of the clutch pull (dry with SS springs) over time.
One helpful comment is that once you get a small gap between the case parts, a sharp blade, like an x-acto can help coast things along