Alright...thanks guys!

I'm leaning towards replacing the spring clips first. The problem as LSP pointed out is that I have no way of knowing if the newer style lifter is machined the same way as the older style.

A set of new HT2011R lifter is about $110, not a bad price given the headache of this stuff coming apart again. My only worry there is tossing NEW lifters on a used cam...the current ones are already mated up with the cam lobes...am I not potentially looking at screwing up my cam?

I've replaced a few cams in my past, but each one was always installed with a NEW set of lifters and I have never done this half-life replacement...so please educate me on the potential (or lack of) for wear problems and best re-start process. I'm guessing if I treat the new lifters/old cam as a NEW combo I would just go through my regular "new cam break-in" process...is that sufficient?