Sometime you gotta make a stand.

The top end came off first. It looked surprisingly fine with no scores, cracks or holes. Just carbon, and plenty of it. Upon further inspection I found the following. ....
Bores larger near the top
Ring gaps as big as 1.5mm. (should be 0.24) This to me means the wrong ones were installed and confirmed the dire need to pull the whole motor down.
Small end bushes very sloppy.
Valve stems tapered
Valve guides conical.
Valves were sealing very well.
One bent head bolt
One stripped rocker box bolt hole (in head).
Blue silicone inside the top of head around the valve stems.

I made the decision to get the head done professionally, and get the bore done with new pistons, rings etc.
MEANWHILE...... the big end awaits inspection.