[Pontiac62]

I recently replaced a leaking stock valve cover gasket. I tried to straighten and flatten the sides, then glued the gasket (Fel-Pro cork) to the cover, Then I put a smear of grease on the gasket surface. I have always just used a nut driver or 1/4" ratchet handle and tightened that to something that felt snug. I've never had any big leaks, but over time they tended to leak.
I've never had an inch-lb torque wrench, but since I do now, I thought I'd see what the service manual called out for torque. My 62 manual calls for 48-80 lb-in. Now that's only approximately 4-7 lb-ft. So I started with my nut driver to snug them down. Then I used the torque wrench. I only got to about 25 lb-in before I stopped, I couldn't bring myself to go more. At that point, I could barely turn them with the nut driver.

Does anyone really use the recommended torque?
Thanks, Les