I have a few lifters making noise until well warmed up

I'll agree with lifters leaking down. Engines stop in the same position most of the time. Evidence of this can be seen in ring gear teeth wear. This means the same lifters rest under load.
I'll go so far as to say if you start it every day the lifter noise is less and quietness quicker than if it sits for days between starts.
This was the condition we had in a 93 Lebarron 3 ltr V6. Wife drove it daily without a sound. let it sit for several days and 1 lifter would tick for 2 or 3 miles.