I used RTV at the cam recesses. I didn’t replace the rubber plugs, I didn’t know about them when I did it. My rear cover has started seeping recently (30,000 miles later)but it’s gonna have to wait til next winter, although I’ve heard of some re-torquing the bolts and having good luck. There’s always been an argument whether to do the valves but like you I plan to keep it til either it’s worn out or I am so I invested the time, I took them close to the outer limit to try not going there again.