Is this engine builder nuts?

Is it necessary?-no. Desireable? yes. As time marches on those roller lifters can save you a bunch of time and money.
Consider that wiping a lobe can happen at any time these days. Guys have gotten away with just an oil-change, but the proper long term solution is a complete tear-down and regasket. Mo-money. And the do-over is mo-time.
And a cam-swap, is on everybody's "want list". A flat-tappet requires matching lifters.
Street roller lifters hardly ever wipe, and go from cam to cam.
Flat tappet cams require top-quality oils to survive, while rollers? You didn't hear it from me, but they have been known to survive for at least a decade on the cheapest re-refined crude out there.
Keep in mind that you can get after-market retro-rollers for your LA these days