I have read some just forego the paper gaskets and put some silicone sealant only. I'm not a big fan however as it always seems to squeeze out the sides and could land up in the oil pump.
Yeah also read that somewhere but like you not a fan of the stuff if I can help it. Also really most of it gets squeezed out ... and inside too!
I find a gasket just makes more sense. Also if you have ever had to scrape that kak off a machined surface without scratching it and stripping your m@4r you will avoid it... especially if it is every time you do the valve lash!
Silicone make a very good seal, some car manufacturers assemble their engines without gaskets at all, but each to his own, I also detest getting the sh#t off when you have to take a cover off. Doesn't leak oil though! If you use silicone on one side and lightly oil the other face it comes off easily and you don't have to scrape it off, just put the cover back afterwards.
If you want to make your own gaskets, another method is to use a hardwood mallet and tap the gasket out on the actual casing by just lightly tapping at an angle inside and out. Works really cool with thinnish gasket paper.