If you get it o-ringed by some one who knows what they are doing then they wont stuff it up, just use a reputable engine builder dont go to the cheapest. Whether you spend the money at the start or later you will end up spending it and it will be alot easier at the start, personally i would prefer an oring its been proven many a times the headgasket is a good alternative but remember o-ringing has been used for many years just because something is new dont confuse that with being better
Jordan