I just dont know how ford built all the fe's they did with out two tubes of silicone
Well, first of all, they leaked....
They also didn't have to jack around with all the aftermarket parts that we have to mess with today.
I don't even use side seals anymore and haven't for a couple years. Silicone in those cavities as well. I don't see any need to keep using 60 year old practices on modern engines. Go back to rope seals and generators I guess?
With that being said, I don't use "beads" on anything, just a very thin layer on parts.
I think most guys use some flavor of a silicone or sealant...whether it be weatherstrip adhesive, RTV, silicone, gasket tack, etc.