when it seems to be difficult to get a good original block, the head fasteners need a ton of work, trying to get anyone to re-line an old block successfully is a nightmare etc etc...

Really, it seems futile when there is a new option available.

I'd liked to have got a look at the block, but it it has the same features as the alloy ( like the long studs into the mains etc ) then it should be a very good block

The one alloy block I did see, the liners seemed awfully thin, at least from the top of the deck. I'd much prefer a liner where the fire ring of the gasket was on the iron liner, as opposed to on the soft alloy deck.

With iron...it's a non issue.

Unless it really is an extreme racer, or a lightweight n/a application....stick with iron