29 Valve Cover Internal Oil Pads - a real question

Unknown

Evening all,

I've been cleaning up a 29 engine that has sat for many many years possibly in the 70+ or longer.

I found 3 pads inside the valve cover held on place by the 3 bolts holding down the cover. They fill the upper cover cavity, are yellow, old and somewhat oily by still a yellow color. These look to be an aftermarket enhancement to help hold oil up at  rocket arm tops. I've only been exposed to 3 of these engines so far with this last one the oldest and closest to original & untouched by far. The other 2 didnot have these pads.



I'm curious as to the history of these pads, when they may have been installed and whether they are an advantage or disadvantage.

Tanks

Jack