I have tried the mopar "rotate the engine 90 more degree" method many times on a stocker cam and it has bitten me every time. A stocker cam is so radical on the ramps I don't think it can work. And don't even think about using the starter motor to bump it around. I also speak from experience. I do lots of things the wrong way, eventually I get it.

My advice is EOIC method, crank the engine with a socket wrench and do one cylinder at a time.
Like you, I have never found negative lash or pre-load to work. I like .003" to .005" using go-no-go with the feeler gauges. Too much and it's brutal on the valve train. Too tight and you risk not closing the valve. This is with NHRA legal solid type hydraulic lifters.