I'd like to add that, I don't even know how long the Victor-Reinz M103 head gasket with the mentioned modification has been around, or for that matter, whether it has even proven to be beneficial. As mentioned it also appears to be made of a darker (perhaps improved as well?) material.
I attempted to contact Victor-Reinz (and apparently Dana corp.) and tried to get connected with a tech or find out whatever I could but I wasn't successful. I may try again.
Obviously improved is most often better, so I'd expect most observers would suggest using the modified item. But maybe I'm being too anal about it in a case like this where the improvement may or may not be significant or even matter given the already high milage.
Maybe someone here has some experience or knowledge about these particulars?

BTW the Erlinger gasket I mentioned that has additional metal tabs on the front extensions that meet the timing cover was seen in a tech article for M104 head gaskets and probably doesn't apply here. Sorry for any confusion.