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Is it possible to leave timing belt tensioned and just remove + then reinstall cam gear when changing camshaft seal?

 
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Not something I'd do. Back the tensioner off again, you can use a nail or small screwdriver if you dont have the original pin to lock it.

 
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Ok so when I re-did timing belt last week (without replacing with new tensioner pulley) I forgot to put the pin in tensioner. All I did was pull spring off pin + loosen tensioner. Then put new belt on, put spring on pin and with tensioner only finger tight counter rotated engine a few times, when marks showed good then tightened tensioner. Was that ok or did I need to re-pin tensioner before doing that?

The original question here has to do with trying to get around pulling PS pump, alt, engine mount, crank pulley, etc to change camshaft seal. You know, just remove cam gear (mark belt + gear), replace cam seal, and then reattach cam gear with already tensioned t-belt? Are you recommending against trying that because thought I've seen youtube mechanics doing it that way. It would save a lot of time + work that's why I'm asking.