Can't figure out this damned oil leak

Absolutely, I can see where that could happen if you use half the tube. LOL

And that brings up a good point. If you was working on my motor, I'd have faith in it because you have 'commonsense'. If you RTV'd a seal, I reckon it'd be fine.

I've seen oil pumps clogged up because guys used a tube of RTV per valve cover gasket. Common sense...ain't common.