That's right. The "preload" is nothing more than a "float-cushion" for the valve as it crests the lobe of the cam. A solid will be noisy if not adjusted perfect...the hydraulic has a little leeway...a bit loser for high-revs. But there's really quite a bit of tolerance in the adjustment of hydraulic rockers...it's meant that way for even idiots to handle. That's why I feel like an idiot.
