?? Anybody Know Lifters 101 ??

Everyone does things there own way... I lay the lifters on their sides , oil hole up and cover them with oil. It takes a while for all the little bubbles to rise and some may need coaxing.
I have to believe that by the time I've rotated the engine enough to set and recheck the valve lash I have forced any excess oil out of the lifters. Never had a problem.
Your problem does sound like its related to lifter quality.