I dont see us getting the blame, and i dont blame Lee either, I would be gutted if i was in his position,

nobody is really to blame as far as i see, We did what we could to try and help out, the ideal solution to the problem wasnt an option, thats nobodys fault, it wasnt my money i was spending, so cannot do anything without the owners consent. i would have liked nothing more then to pull the engine out and do the job.
We went through the options, and there really wasnt to many! Lee decided to try the thick gasket to avoid any piston to head contact. Its a real shame it hasnt worked, but ultimatley it needs an engine overhaul to cure the issue once and for all, so a normal gasket can be used.