Camchain / Valves / Timing

Whilst my bike is partially stripped-down I plan to check the camchain tension, valve clearances and timing.
What order should this be done in?
1) Check camchain tension?
2) Set Valve clearances?
3) Check ignition timing?
Does it matter?
I don't think my camchain tensioner spring is strong enough because on a previous occasion I could easily push the tensioner in a few notches using light pressure.
I checked the tensioner pin and it's still got a few notches to go before it's fully extended.
Can I do the same again to ensure the camchain is tensioned properly?
Regarding ignition timing, should the method described in the manual give the same results in identifying if the timing marks are out in the same way as the 'Dead Stop' method?
Is the 'Dead Stop' method just more accurate or are there fundamental differences?
Am I missing anything?
Cheers.

Cheers, Taffy.
I've been thinking the 'dead stop' thing over again and I think I understand it now.
This method will identify if the factory mark on the flywheel is indeed correct.
If not, you should mark the TDC on the flywheel using your measurements from the 'dead stop' method.
Line-up the mark on the stator with this new mark on the flywheel & timing should now be spot-on.
Is this correct?
Would it be suitable to use a long bolt with the same thread diameter & pitch as the spark plug to act as a stopper for the piston when trying the 'dead stop' method?
What diameter of protractor should I make up?
Cheers,
Ross

More timing questions!
I believed that the '99 and '00 FC 600 engines (kickstart only) were the same????
My RHS engine casing has the numbers 1123151 & 220059 stamped on them.
What year is this??
In the '99 workshop manual and handbook, it tells me to line up the left hand mark on the flywheel with the mark on the stator.
BUT
In the '00 owner's handbook, it tells me to line up the right hand mark on the flywheel with the mark on the stator.
AAAAARGGGGHH!
If I find the marks on the flywheel are out when checking TDC using the dead-stop method, which mark will I use to set the timing????
I am beginning to think I'd be quicker just moving the stator randomly left and right and noting if the bike runs better or worse and becomes any easier / harder to start!
If I have to scribe a new line on the flywheel to mark true TDC, would it be a good idea to mark a corresponding point on the engine casing so that I can easily set the engine to TDC in the future to set valve clearances etc??
The more I know, the less I understand!

Cheers for the info, everyone.
I think I've got all I need to go ahead and check TDC now.
Taffy, thanks for the offer, but I should be able to make the protractor and indicator without too much fuss.
I've got a laminator at work, so plan to laminate the protractor - NICE!
I'll let you guys know if all this makes the bike any easier to start!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mc7lWONGHM
Thanks again,
Ross