Again I maybe wrong, but if the oil pickup tube is in the correct location at the bottom of the pan, it shouldn't matter wether or not there is oil setting in the front of the pan, as long as there is a sufficient oil reservoir at the sump. Ive always believed the front of the pan is simply a return path for the oil into the sump.

Back in the old days we would deliberately run the oil a little low (1/2 qt) to give a little more clearance to the crank and get a few extra rpm out of the motor (at least we thought so).

And, who you calling Ray? LOL
Bob