WTH! valve lifter adjustment
 

Ok, so I had to replace the valve cover gaskets on my 305 sbc. I figured i would take this opportunity to address some of the valve clatter and re-adjust the lash on all the lifters. I used the method detailed below but after doing the adjustments i am very concerned about the amount of rocker play that I am experiencing. I adjusted all the rockers at #1 TDC and when I rotate the crank 360 degrees to #6 TDC, some of the #1 rockers have become very loose. While some looseness is expected there are several rockers that are so slack that i can unseat the rocker and turn it sideways. Doesn't seem right. My question is, did I miss a step or is what I am experiencing temporary slack that will go away when the oil pump re-pressurizes the lifters. I'm concerned about firing the engine up.

Steps I followed,
1)loosen all rocker retainer nuts.
2) position crank at #1 TDC (yes, on compression stroke) and re-tightened nut until the vertical free play of the rod was gone. In this position I adjust Exhaust 1,3,4,8 and Intake 1,2,5,7. Once free play was removed I tightened each nut one complete turn.
3) turn crank clockwise 360 degrees.
4) re-tightened nut until the vertical free play of the rod was gone. In this position I adjust Exhaust 2,5,6,7 and Intake 3,4,6,8. Once free play was removed I tightened each nut one complete turn.
5) got freaked out about the sloppy rockers and repeated steps 1-4 again with same result.

Any help would be appreciated.