I almost bought a set myself. Then a mint set of used Crane 1.6 rollers became availiable for $200 w/ shafts so I bought them. I'm sorry to hear you had a problem but I guess the old saying applies:
You get what you pay for.
As for the ticking. Did you drive the car after re-installing the stock rockers? You may have had a lifter bleed down and it might pump back up after a road test.
