I may have "overstated" the longevity issues with the solid roller cam lifters. There is no question that solid roller lifters DO have reduced life, depending on driving/racing conditions they are subjected too. As Hal (Whisperer) pointed out, this is primarly associated with the racecar guys that run ungodly grinds and spring pressures. I guess my REAL point I was trying to make is to opt for a hydraulic roller cam setup. With the roller cam easily capable of revs to 7k (and some a bit beyond), I think it is the best option for a primarily STREET driven car. Engine builders who go with the solid roller grinds are usually looking at something fairly wild with steep ramps and high spring pressures, normally not condusive to street motors. In the final analysis, the "true" experts are the tech guys at the respective cam manufacturers (ie Comp Cams, Crane, Isky, etc) to get the BEST option for your given APPLICATION. My Boss 302, for example, has a fairly steep solid lifter cam in it, but then again, that is what they came with originally. Installation of a hydraulic flat tappet cam sure would make life easier with the Boss!! The solid cams, flat tappet or roller, require a higher level of maintenance than their hydraulic brothers. My opinion has always been to be honest with yourself on the true APPLICATION of a given powerplant you are building. Too many times, an engine is "overbuilt" and the builder/driver is disappointed with its day-to-day street driven characteristics.
As far as cost goes - well that goes along with everything else going into the engine. How much power do you want and how much are you willing to spend to achieve those numbers? There is no question that the hydraulic roller setup is the hot ticket in today's world of stroked small blocks with high flowing aluminum heads. Of course, all this costs money, and the costs can quickly climb when we are choosing the "best" pieces for our dream powerplant....
randy