Some other thoughts
1) See if you have a lot of vibration at idle or up at 2,000rpm. These engines clearly vibrate but if you see things are vibrating excessively try to figure out why. If so at idle then perhaps turn the idle up 50-100rpm to smooth out some of the vibration.
2) Make sure your fuel filter braket and fillter head are tight. (I have seen some that were loose. If so perhaps use lock nuts.) If either are loose and vibrating/swinging, that could be your issue.
3) Perhaps this time wipe off the face of the filter head and the filter seal. Use what little lubrication is left after wiping off as much diesel as possible to allow it to slide up tight face to face. But not be able to vibrate loose.
4) If it persists, try replacing the filter.
5) Hand tight and a grunt should do it. Just FYI I have not heard of anyone stripping a oil filter head or fuel filter head or the inside of the filter threads. (I am sure others here have heard of a one off case.)
Rather folks who grunt several times, end up poping the rubber seal or crushing the filter by squeezing it too hard trying to tighten it to much. So don't be afraid to grunt twice!