WoW, etchison
This is not an easy one, and i feel for your loss. I'm thinking that some of the problems was with the clearance, but i'm sure that some other people will have different ideas. I personally donot use with the high dollar pans and have not had a problem with the $79.00/or less 8 qt. pans with a flap/trap door to control the shut down. I know that nothing i can say will help the pain or cost to put your engine back together, but if i was in your shoes i'd go back to what worked before.
I can say it's very hard to tell the difference on running out oil and too little clearance on the bearings.
I want to thank you for sharing your experience and i hope it doesn't happen too me.
Zip.