I'm more or less in the same boat. Engine "misses" on startup goes away when it's warm. I do have oil consumption, but am 100% sure it's the gasket to my vacuum pump. Oil consumption started after I replaced it.

My car will literally smoke out traffic if I put my foot to the floor. But under moderate acceleration there is regular diesel haze.

I'll try the crossover pipe breather hose method too.
But it seems there is no true way to tell if the valves and stem seals are good other than by pulling the head completely off right?

If so, I guess it's time to print out some FSM pages and get the researching on head removal.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.