My plan is to use a borescope to inspect the piston. If I see damage inside the cylinder, I'll pull the entire engine. If I don't see any damage in the piston, I'll pull the head & re-inspect the piston again when the head is off.
Since you will be pulling the head in either case, why not just pull it first?
I'm a hobbyist. Not a professional. Don't be hatin'!
