So today I swapped the valve covers, gaskets, and studs with the new parts I ordered- I immediately measured the taiwanny Johnny covers that were on the engine when I bought it, and I found the covers to be 1/8" narrower in inner width than the new Proforms... That alone made happier to put the junk ones in the trash!!
I haven't fired the engine with the new covers on it yet, but I'm already fairly confident that I'm in a better place!!