Marlin, FYI ... Isky makes solid roller lifters that, I assume, use similar bearing technology as you use in your pilot bearings. I purchased a set about ten years ago and they were problem free. They are expensive, however, they tend to not fail. Anyone who has ever had a needle bearing fail in a roller lifter, knows what happens to all those "free" needles. Isky keeps pretty quiet about the materials involved but they do say the bearing material has a 350% greater load rating than the needle bearings they use in other lifters.
Here's the only photo I could find.
