The motors did have head gasket issues.... but shit there are plenty around with 200k. I have seen more with spun rod bearing, b/c the crank from the factory were to soft, they have since updated the crank. the problem with jasper motors and other rebuilds is they are grinding the same soft crank and putting it back together, usually shottly, the last one i did had a hole in the block and the heat tags were still shiny and behind the timing cover written on the head said charlie, i wanted to tell charlie that he fooed up.
torque to yield is a pain in the ass but alot of other manufacturers do it as well. i have never understood it why not just give a torque spec.
As for there cost. they are expensive, one rod is like $100 from toyota, cost. they are expensive to rebuild, and they did offer a lifetime warranty i have never heard of anyone offering a lifetime warranty on a motor that is unheard of, i would have charged you more for that kind of warranty.