OK, let me re-phrase my question after having done some additional research on my own...

First, here are links to various articles that specifically mention how MLS head gaskets do actually reduce bore distortion because they distribute the clamping loads better than a composite gasket:

http://www.circletrack.com/enginetech/ctrp_1108_racing_head_gaskets/viewall.html

www.aera.org/ep/downloads/ep11/EP07-2010_42-48.pdf

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginem...ng/viewall.html
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginem...g/photo_13.html
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginem...g/photo_14.html


So, I suppose what I should ask is, given that I already own the correct style of composite head gaskets for my 452, would the additional expense of buying MLS gaskets be justified because they should reduce some of the bore distortion resulting from my block having been re-honed w/o a torque plate?

Maybe this is just a pure judgement call, but I was hoping to get some input re: whether this thought makes sense to anyone else.