I would be worried about just using a BFH and putting it together. I would want to investigate and see that the balancer is seated all the way in place.

Is the front edge of the balancer flush with the front edge of the crankshaft? If so then maybe you can carefully grind the ends off of the dowels so that the washer will have full surface conact.

If it is not flush, you should investigate. IMHO you are correct in being cautious and thorough in this area given the history of these balancers coming off.

My $0.02,