What worked for me on my 3A (similar rings but wider) was to turn the removal tool around backwards and slide it in between the trim ring and bulb retaining ring, so I could push directly on the tab that engages the spring clip. Of course you also have to be careful to get it lined up right.
If the ring is new, match it up to make sure the tab is in the right place relative to the clip at the top. I got a pair once that were simply made wrong, the manufacturer had put the rivet for the clip through the drain hole instead of where it should have been. TRF replaced them promptly, but confirmed that the whole batch was made wrong.