Early production engines had a base surface that was mirror smooth, and the gasket had nothing to bite into. Newer productions have the cnc feed increased for the cylinder and case base surfaces. That solved the problem.
I always cross hatch gasket contact surfaces with a small file held on edge. It should be real rough, but still plane! I then prepare the gasket both sides with an automotive silicone gasket sealer. Just dabbed on real thin, and let dry well. No subsequent failures have been reported on engines thus treated.