Cometic rear main seal vs...

You won't find asbestos in anything anymore. But they material they use doesn't leak when installed properly. Last engine I did that had a leak was a lip seal, around 2001. Since then I went back to rope and have never had a leaky rear main, regardless of displacement, use, engine condition, oil, environment... These engines were designed to use it.
I'm not sure how many of us were around when they were regularly being serviced but Mopar rear main leaks and replacements were not common when I first got into cars in the mid 80s.
You can also look for any early Ford or Buick applications (early 60s). All you need is the rope. The side seals you can either use what's provided with the lip seal in the gasket sets, or silicone. I think I buy them for $9-10 each. Summit Racing lists them, and I'd wager most major supply houses down under do too. You just need to ask the right guy.