Yeah that would help too, however if the machine is used in a contractor role it may stress out the starter mechanisim too much. How good are those side pulls? It would pay to give that a go over as well.
You could also machine 1/4 a millimetre safely off the "top" of the barrel as well as 1 - 2 millimetres off any head. Even better if you know someone in a machine shop they could angle machine it in a lathe or mill to take more metal off the side opposite the decomp. valve and then clean out the bolt holes and spot face the tops (on a drill press) in the head to make sure that the head will tighten up flat. (sorry guys thats the machinist in me coming out....)
You might have to flare the air cowling around the decomp. valve for a bit more clearence if it sits up too much.
If your really Keen PM me and you can post the head (& return postage) & I'll machine it up for you!
