I had one cracked in the same location and had the same questions you have. I finally decided that the crack was where the compression leak into the water jacket was occurring--and I know it does not look like that is possible. But I really did not find any other place the head gasket was leaking.
I ultimately did not try to re-install my cracked head. I bought a stock, used head from James Rogers at Dreamwerks, cleaned, magnafluxed, re-surfaced and ready to paint and install for a very reasonable price. Best decision in my situation.
See the old thread:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167112
W. Michael