correct me if i'm wrong, but doesn't whatever's in the oil pan hit the oil filter before it lubes the engine?

Yes you are correct, from the pan to the pump then past your pressure sensor and then turns up to the filter before travelling into the cam & crank journals. I'm the one who was going to silicone the crap out of everything too, however I believe I was misunderstood slightly. If you do not silicone the timing cover cover gaskets thoroghly and evenly the front cover can leak oil like crazy and call also allow coolant & oil to mix. I originally put only enough silicone on the gaskets to hold them in place for installation. After my oil pressure problem, which had nothing to do with a gasket by the way, I put a very thin layer of silicone on the entire gasket when I used them. Definately not gobbed on to the point where it squezzes out all over the place.
Generally speaking you should only use enough silicone to get the job done.