Back to TC's question, I don't think any gasket set is bad, the only problem I had was using the EMGO/Cyclex head gasket on a late model (K6) top end, the holes for the dowels are too small and just won't fit. I laid it over a K2 head though, and it was perfect.
The head gasket is a metal/fibre sandwich, and looks really good. I use similar head gaskets on my Suzuki GS1000 engines, and they work very well, and I'll even re-use them with no issues, something I'd never do with a fibre Honda head gasket.
The Emgo kit also contains the rubber pucks for under the cam towers, another thoughtful touch. The Honda kit has the exhaust gasket rings as does the Emgo, and the Emgo kit has both types of cylinder stud "O" rings.
All in all, the Emgo kit is good value, particularly if you're rebuilding a K0-K3. If you're rebuilding a later engine, you'll need to modify the head gasket (enlarge the two outer dowel holes) or get another one.
As far as stud removal goes, if I'm taking them out I'm not putting the OEM ones back in, so no problem butchering them. I just bend the suckers at right angles to "crack" them, then bend them up to some semblance of straightness to wind them out. No heat, no penetrating fluid, no double-nutting, no vice-grips. Down and dirty, but effective. Cheers, Terry.