"Perhaps it’s not so bad for someone who’s done it that way for a long time, but not something I will even consider attempting."
JW,
If you have someone demonstrate the technique of adjusting the valves with the engine running you will be pleasantly surprised how simple it is and how little time it takes to "Run the rack". A box end wrench the size of the lock nut, screw driver, feeler gauges and a new valve cover gasket are all that is required.
If you end up with a cork valve cover gasket that has shrunk from drying out, cooking it in a cookie sheet full of water on the stove top for a few minutes will bring it right back to the correct size.
You can do it! have fun.
