curious about valve lash setting/check

that was the second time through Rusty (cranking down to stop the push rod from spinning), and I believe Kim was right by saying I bled them out because they are weak. it was much better the first time when I just felt tension (or 'drag' as Pishta corrected me, thanks) and went a half turn after.

That may be so. Just know you need to be careful with this and double check everything. You can do some catastrophic damage here if you're not really careful.