Valve shim adjustment question (Toyota)

[mpolli]

Hi, another question about my 7MGE straight 6 engine. The valves are adjusted with shims. I am familiar with this system since my Fiats had the same thing. About 10 years ago I had measured the clearances, and now they seem to have tightened about .001". Is that normal? I guess the valve seats are wearing a bit? Anyway, here is my main question: If the allowable range is say .025"-.030" (I am going from memory here), would it be better to be at the smaller end of the range or the larger? Also, how significant would it be to be .001" over or under the limit?

Thanks,

Mike