curious about valve lash setting/check

No problem. Glad I could help.....if I did.

I just cannot stand how some of these guys complex everything all up. I think they'd make a wet dream no fun.
you definitely helped, I was the only one making it complex. after doing it several times, it really is 'so simple' as you say. I was being WAY too meticulous finding the 'drag' on the spin. really helped when I started looking to take the slack out with the push rod going 'up and down'. you guys ALL helped, I'll let you know how it runs.