The service manager seemed very willing to help and spent some time cleaning the valves. In fairness to him I had asked him about a week ago and he may have just forgot the correct sequence. They are a very busy shop and many service people around here won't give you the time of day let alone stop what they are doing to help with something for which they are not getting paid. He was very helpful in getting me the specifications for the blade clutch lining wear. So I will chalk it up to an honest mistake.
For what it is worth my top ring has a step like the stepped ring in the link you provided except it is on the top outer corner that contacts the cylinder wall.
