Fresh engine, wiped cam? Tick? (new pics added)

from what I can tell, that lifter looks like its sitting where it should be....and since you said it hasnt been started in a bit I guess they could be blead down a bit and be more squishy.....I still still would not rule it out though.

new thought......have you tried rocking the rocker arms from side to side?

they look factory and depending on how many original miles are on them....alot of times the shafts will wear down aswell as the inside diameter of the rocker arm bushing......what your hearing could be the rocker arm play and the rocker arm could be slapping against the rocker shaft giving oyu your "tick"