Got it on the degree wheel, it just has to be the same diameter as the crank shaft pulley (weren't they called harmonic balancers way back?). The gauge I have is definitely of the lever type, meaning the lever moves from center to left or right to register a measurement) and although I don't have a magnetic mount for it I do have a mount that can sit on a flat micro wave magnet or the like.

The straight edge across the end of the valve stems would indicate either normal even wear or an abnormality. What would, in thousanths, indicate abnormal wear?
Theoretically, if everything was new, would there be no measureable difference between the height of the new valves? If some tolerance were found, what would be considered an acceptable variation?

"Remember that the rocker has a 1:1.5 ratio and to factor in your valve clearance. Figures are often very different due to cam wear." I asssume this measurement is done with rockers in place? And the 1:1.5 ratio means the difference between the rise and fall of the push rod? or the tappet? When compared to the rise and fall of the valve itself. I may need some more help understanding what I'm doing here.

It may all be a wasted effort as the low compression numbers may mean the experiment with this fuely head is a failure. But I'd still like to understand more about this process.