UhOh, another good discussion!!,
BJ and i think a lot a like be we differ on this one and i'm sure some of the engine builders will also.
First thing chamfer the top of the thread and bottom tap all the block holes. Then clean the holes out like they have herpes.
Set the head on the block and using blue locktite, screw each stud in until you have 1/8 inch of the stud above the nut and washer without the head gasket. pull the head off and let the locktite setup for a day. Then install gaskets and head you should have equal length studs thru out the cyclinder head, then torque to specs.. Distortation come from unequal stud lengths and bottoming out of bolt/studs in the block. Just screwing the stud to the bottom of the thread too hard will distort the cylinder bores, whether plate honed or not.
JMO
Zip.