It’s not going backward, it’s just a verification....... especially since it sounds like the old .118” clearance figure was obtained using a different method than he’s using this time around.

Slipping the old cam back in and checking the clearances wouldn’t take(me) long at all.
(Certainly less time than has been invested in this thread)

One of Comps most aggressive 269@.050 .430 roller lobes only has .021” more lobe lift at TDC than Dave’s old SFT cam, with both installed at 106.
With a net RR of 1.65, he should only have lost about .035” clearance.
Instead he’s coming up with over double that difference(.118(old) - .044(new)= .073)
It doesn’t add up....... simple as that.