That's the way I have always done it too, if you use a fork separator there is a good chance of damaging the boot. Not a problem if you're fitting new track rod ends but a bit of a B. If you're not.
Absolutely Nick, the scissor one is a little more gentle on the boot but not always, the hammer in wedges should be thrown in the scrap as they do a lot of damage, as you say not an issue of your changing the boot or joint, years ago you could buy boots but not so easy to find today.
