To the original poster, yes I have plenty of experience with steel shim head gaskets on FE Fords. In the late '70's early '80's I used the Ford 427 folded lip shims, the McCord shims, and the Fitzgerald folded shim head gaskets that Dove sold.
At the time it was the only style head gasket that would hold up to the nitrous systems of the day...meaning that if you got into detonation the composition gaskets available then would blow BIG. The shims hold up well until they don't. Easy to tell when they give up. After a night of street racing, come out the next day to start the car and no crank. Pull out the plugs, crank 'er over and watch the water shoot out over the fenders.
I've been tempted for nostalgia sake to try 'em again. But I'm too chicken. The newer stuff is leaps and bounds better. Do what Brent says, go Cometic.