Sorry for the delay in responding but I was away on business travel and also wanted to wait to respond until I had the new/used cam in my hands and had some quality time in the garage to install it, that was this past weekend.
Summary: I can find no causation for the failure of this cam.
Details: It is true that I have had ST1100 cams out and in many times before, but still I looked and tried to see if it was possible to incorrectly mesh the gears so as to split the tooth gears forcing the spring action in the wrong direction, I could not. To mesh the gears incorrectly (not out of time, but splitting the teeth) seems impossible, it would take a considerable force to push the cam down into its fully seated position that I'm betting you would first strip a bolt or crack a cam cap/holder.
I believe the cam failed and the teeth moved sometime after removal (or as it was removed). I should have noticed how upon re-installation of the cam (before noticing my marks were off) that the cam dropped right into place because the two cam gears were in alignment, it took no pressure to seat the cam.
I have seen brand new parts fail, I have also seen parts with 100k miles on them fail. It happens, QC check fails, improper heat-treating, parts built on Friday afternoon, etc.
Mom always said I was one in a million. Thanks for all who chimed in. Bike is up and purring again, new timing belt - check, clutch pack and springs measured - check, rebuilt clutch slave cylinder - check.
-mtnpat