I do think to big a lash played a part in breaking the roller (hammer effect), but the roller was also "three sided". Three distinct "flat spots". It actually wore through one spot and the roller "broke" into three pieces.
Geroge Anderson, Gessford Machine, made an interesting comment once. He prefers solid flat tappet lifters for longevity. HE runs a roller, but he also noted HE owns a machine shop!
He prefers solids in general over hydraulics. Why? The solids "keep you in touch" with your motor. I can dig it, it DOES give me something positive to do on my motor on occasion, and I like that!
