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

you should not see a wear pattern that goes wide at max lift. That is where the taper of the cam is most obvious.

If you could measure a brand new or any good used flat tappet cam you would find that the fwd edge is taller than the aft

~rotates lifter/pushrod to prevent excessive wear
~makes cam thrust fwd

yes, improper break-in can cause this.

the pushrod length check is not hard, but if you don't have the tools you have to get creative.
do you have a dial caliper?


~edit~update~
The above in italics is not completely right, acording to David Vizard.
It appears that the lifter to lobe interface will vary from lifter to lifter. I'm gonna have to take a close look at this, but I'm thinkin that the offset and taper counter each other and the oil pump/disributor drive gear are what give the cam its fwd thrust.