I think your just going to have to come to terms that you jacked the block with the brake hone and vs dumping more money on more money just prep another block and be done.

This kinda throws your kiss method out the window with all the crazy water mods and now the lifter deal, ive never ruined a block but I have a head or two over the years and at times ya just got to toss some things in the junk pile and move on.

I know it sucks but waiting on a return email for bigger lifters, $300-$800 to bush your current block...if it were me id sit back and regroup. What $100 for a different block $300 for a bore/hone and your back on the "right" path.