Drop Link bolt stuck and I'm out of ideas

[El 3.2S]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, what you describe is exactly what is causing the problem. Not getting any meaningful movement in the shock though. Maybe this is due to the part which is causing the obstruction, being badly out of shape now? I have tried prising it up, down or sideways by using a large screwdriver in the hole. Have resorted to trying to file the offending part away, but my file does not seem up to the job. I have done many jobs successfully on my Boxster but this has been my first foray into the world of suspension, pretty sure it will be my last too!
Definitely going with the copper slip, if I ever get the new part fitted.

[pilot4fn]

If not done yet, spary some wd-40 etc penetrating oil to the connection between shock absorber and hub in a way that it flows down between those two parts and leave it for a while and then try again.

I'd advice not to pry the hub open from the slit where shock absorber metal plate goes in to the hub, since I have read that few people has cracked the hub doing that.