modern 5.2 FI roller engine cylinder ridge ?

Yeah i agree, its a industry thing.

Yes, if you think for one minute that casting processes don't improve over time, you got another thing comin. The quality of the actual process has improved, but I would be very surprised to see some kind of high nickel content anything. Before anybody disagrees with that again, stop and think for a moment just how expensive nickel is. Nickel welding rod ain't cheap. Mass production of cars is all about saving money and cutting corners.