The struts themselves weren’t giving any problems, but the bump stop is definitely crumbled. Seems like a shame to toss the struts if they were still riding good, but then again... they do have approx 177K Kilometers on them.
I understand the point where compressed springs have a lot of stored energy. I was planning on using spring compressors that are well reviewed (https://www.amazon.ca/OEMTOOLS-25550-Strut-Spring-Compressor/dp/B000CMDPLM) and going very slowly to compress each side a little at a time using a wrench + making sure the two rods are as opposite to each other as possible. But if other parts will need changing ( I.e. bearing plate) I may just consider a kit and/or a pre-assembled shock assembly.
Struts are super easy if you don't have to remove the springs, and overall reasonably easy if you have a decent spring compressor and no anxiety.
Special tools would be an impact gun (I love my Makita impact, but pneumatic works as well) for removing stubborn bolts and the strut shaft nut on the top hat, and a spring compressor; you can usually rent these from your local auto parts store, but if not you can buy a reasonably affordable spring compressor set and suffer through the stuck bolts (but you should really have an impact as it will make everything so much easier).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDPLM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also, the factory service manual for your vehicle can be found here; front strut replacement starts on page 3918:
You'll also need to realign the suspension after everything is reinstalled, so budget $100-150 for that at your local independent repair shop.
Always good to have a manual for your car(s), Chilton's or Haynes or factory service manual, although most everything is online now. Just follow the instructions.
Use solid jack stands. In a pinch you can throw the wheels/tires under the car so it will land on those if it falls. Do not put any body parts under a wobbly car.
I've rented these spring compressors before with success (see image): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CMDPLM/
Although not(!) recommended, these particular springs most likely are not preloaded enough to do much of anything even without using any spring compressor. When the lowering springs go on you might even have extra room/dead coils and won't need the compressors for installation.
From memory, it's just the lower shock bolt and then the two nuts on the upper mount. You may have to loosen the control arm to subframe bolts and remove the brake caliper for enough movement to get the assembly out. A torque wrench is not completely necessary if you have a decent feel for what is 'not overtight' (think hand tight with a ~8" wrench).
The other part which might be kind of a pain is that you should tighten the control arm (and shock) bolts with the tires on the ground. Put everything together, and then lower the car onto the tires before tightening the bolts that are holding rubber bushings. This is because the rubber bushings do not rotate freely. You can use blocks of wood under the tires for ground clearance. If you loosen any of the alignment bolts mark them with a white out pen or something beforehand to make sure you keep them the same. When you are finished you may want to look up how to do an alignment using string/thread and a tape measure or take it to an alignment shop.
Edit: From the third link /u/miataman85 posted:
"Note from David Deweerd:
I work for a Mazda dealer and have had many opportunities to do this. I discovered a much easier way to do this operation. With the sway bar disconnected from the lower control arms, disconnect the upper ball joint from the spindle. Unbolt the strut at the top and bottom. Pry down on the lower control arm, as well as the upper control arm, and it is quite easy to remove the strut assembly."
If you understand what he's saying, it's a faster way. Just disconnect the sway bar at the control arm, and if you can pop the upper ball joint out of the spindle, your friend can help pry/push down on the rotor/hub giving enough room the wiggle the spring/shock assembly out without loosening any of the other suspension bolts.