[Jeff Lee]

Alan,
That's fine on a "normal" application; i.e., SBC, SBF, the normal big blocks, etc.
I raced a 2.2L FWD with cam followers or tappet buckets, whatever they were called. I set records with the car. NHRA has nothing close to those in their arsenal.
I can't see the problem if you can show the checking lifter is identical in specs to the lifter that came out. But it is their game and you are right.