In addition to the lack of zinc in new oils, and the quality problems of the Mopar rod, what kind of fuel pump is he running?
The spring pressure may be too high in the pump or may be binding causing too much wear..
My be guess would be the lack of zinc in the oil.
Be sure to run oil with extra wear additives, like Valvoline Racing, or Brad Penn...
The fuel pushrod would be the least of the worries if the oil breaks down and the cam/ lifters start wearing out...