I think you are right, they are designed to not fail. But also, the above statements are likely why you've seen failure. TOO MUCH, uneven, or dry, silicone.

I put a super thin layer on everything (EXCEPT head and exhaust gaskets) and assemble it quickly before the silicone has a chance to set up. I think operator error is the failure you are seeing. If it's too thick/uneven and not compressed enough, then that's a weak point. If it gets a chance to set up, then that's a weak point.

I've RTV sealed hundreds of gaskets, and never seen a failure yet. On the other hand, I've had originally installed dry gaskets fail. But, like you say, to each their own. I don't think you are wrong, I just try to go the extra mile while I'm in a job so I don't have to see it again.

 

OK, the RAVE says dry.

I've gotten opinions, backed with good logic, on both sides of the fence.

I think I'm going to follow the RAVE and go dry.

And if it leaks down the road, I will madly curse every LR engineer, as well as the writers/publishers of the RAVE!

 

That does sound like a well thought out decision. I'm sure you will be fine...