Rob....a very well stated set of facts....talked with Brent on Tuesday and he described this adjuster ball...and these"POP" rockers...we would have expected oiling through the push rod and a small block lifter too...like you mentioned but that's not what they provided him....
only one of the rocker arm ball wasn't worn out...not enough
oil for sure....I agree with the tried and true....
Your post was appreciated and your knowledge of these "POP" rocker problems is apprecaited.....and as you mentioned perhaps this was an old problem solved and Brent was provided with some old parts....
Thanks for the post on this topic...
George