This is a question best answered by your dealer of choice. The answer to this will probably vary from dealer to dealer. Maybe Ford is waiting for more complaints from owners of cars built after 11/02 before they proceed with an admission of fault.
All I can tell you guys is to take it in and have your local SVT mechanic look at it. I took my car in for loose side vents, rear-end pop, and 12V port problems. I never heard a "tick," but they said I had it and needed a head replacement. If you're not sure if you have the tick, or not, just take it in and see. They give you a rental for free, so why not? I can't see why they shouldn't replace your head, no matter what date it was built. If the SVT mechanic says there's a tick, they should replace it.