Unless you plan to build future engines using pistons sticking out of the deck, why buy a head that is more difficult to work with. Tougher to build a quench engine with those things.
I agree, but if I was a guy with a mild early 340 I'd buy the Edelbrocks before I used a thick head gasket. If I were looking down the road and went with closed chambers I'd have the pistons fly cut or buy new (lighter) pistons if it was in the budget. Another thought on the Edelbrock open chambers and planning future builds is that they can be milled if needed.