What I would say, when starting out the cost of forging looks huge. But when you get to the end of the build and add it up its only a small portion of the build.
The little bits you don't even think about add up to the greatest expense.

The Ford 1.8mm gasket is no longer available. The Cometic 1.8mm gasket is made for an over bore and there is very little material around the fire ring. Even then your only going to get down to 9.25~9.5~1 with the st head. 9:1 with a Bt head.
This could be managed if you keep the boost low.