Jim, I almost edited my post after I reread yours. I forgot we were talking about domed pistons. I have never built a domed engine so I dont know jack about the squish distances on them. .08 seemed like alot though. My flattop motor (and several friends motors') is at .037. My pistons are .010 out of the hole and I use a .047 copper head gasket. People have different theories on whether to bring the piston out, or leave it flush. After talking with another friend (a local Super Stock builder) I am almost sure that my next motor will be zero decked.
Another thing that struck me as odd was your piston coatings. You picked up close to a point by coating them? Isnt that roughly equivalent to 10cc's?
I really wish we could change the topic so it relates to flattops! hehhe
Andy