Any combination of parts that isn’t: factory iron heads, factory intake, factory valve covers…….will create(or solve) its own set of problems.

I dyno tested a 426mw based stroker FAST engine years ago.
Stock 286 heads, stock intake, stock 1963 valve covers.
The engine had a .680 lift cam and used HS rockers.
The VC’s could be removed, but it was a wrestling match……..and the crank/cam had to be at the correct angle to get them off(different position for each side).
The engine builder had worked out the positioning during assembly and had marked the damper accordingly.

I’ve also tested an engine with the stock x-ram, but using 440-1 heads.
.650 lift cam, HS rockers.
The raised port heads moves the intake father away from the VC.
Much easier to get them off on that combo.

The HS rockers are pretty chunky, and do add to the misery index.
“If it were me”, I’d make the swap to some Comp Ultra-Pros.
They’ll require a pushrod change.

I’ll add this……..
I’ve had a few sets of the repro MW heads here, the ones with the cast in stands, where the stands located the shaft farther from the valve than they should be.
Rockers would contact the inside of the valve tip.
I’ve had three sets here like that.
I’m not sure exactly if/how that may impact the VC removal situation, but I can see where it could have some kind of affect.
Might be better, might be worse.