Once again Steve, my advice is for NEWBS that don't know all the tricks and nuances and voodoo it takes. It takes a hellovalot more than just common sense.
Nobody that is new to Buick V6's, and not an expert engine builder, is going to have access to burnishing tools, and knowledge of setting spring poundage, and all the other stuff it takes to correctly set up a valve train for longevity. A roller cam costs more in USD, but it's far 'cheaper' when it comes to experience and knowledge.
Yes, I can make a flat tappet cam live all day long and have a good success rate doing it. I also have all the necessary knowledge, access to mills, lathes, seat and guide machines, burnishing tools, precision measuring equipment, valve grinders, surfacing machines, and all the other stuff it takes to build an engine right.
Yes, an engine can be halfassed with outdated technology, and the parts bill will be a little bit cheaper. But I've learned it's always cheaper to do it right than twice. ESP when you're looking at not only losing an engine, BUT a turbo (and oil cooler) as well.
Roller cams exist for a reason, and flat tappet cams come in ZERO new cars for a reason. I have no problem learning from the experience (and failures) of others. Clinging to outdated, less efficient shit just because ''it can still be done'' is not my goto standard when there's better options.
The few hundred extra dollars are cheap insurance against the cost of the turbo alone. It's damn sure cheap insurance when it can offset builder inexperience when it results in an engine that runs .vs one that eats itself.