The easy out is worry some in that it is very hard steel and probably shattered.
I'm not too worried about finding the easy-out, I heard it drop into the front section of the pan with a solid "clunk", only an 8" drop or so, so I doubt it shattered. I should be able to get it out with a magnet.
I ran this by my personal Mopar guru, and he suggests that you need to look at the lobe of the cam by pulling the distributor and having a look.
He looked at the picture and suggested that you've got a B motor pushrod in there instead of an RB motor pushrod. The shorter one would have allowed the motor to run up to a point, but then sooner or later would have wiped the lobe on the cam, and/or bunted the arm on the fuel pump, and then ultimately would have not been able to supply any fuel to the motor.
If the used parts car rod is correct for 440 and the lobe on your cam appears OK, do what you need to do to get the filings and EZ Out bits taken care of and install it and go for it.
Amazing how long it takes when you can only find 3-4 hours a week to work on it.
I'll be ordering a spare push-rod on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed for me that the used one I installed doesn't wipe too.
There was a bit of a unusual slow "tick" sound at the first start-up but I couldn't isolate where it was coming from and couldn't hear it when slow-cranking the engine and it has decreased during the course of setting the timing. So, I hope it's all OK.
I did feel the fuel pump with the engine running and I can definitely feel it vibrating with the push-rod stroke. I just mention that in case that triggers warning bells with anyone.
Thanks to all those who encouraged me along the way!