what gives

The left is a regular hole shaft and the right is what they call a "banana groove shaft".....Naturally as you have pointed out the banana groove shafts are better as the rockers get better oiling.....Both types came on 273's....Although if you used the one on the left you should still get an adequate amount of oil to the rockers or something else is wrong as mentioned

x2
you can also cut the grooves yourself with a cutoff wheel and die grinder.