So, if the plane has been sat around for a while and you haven't followed Lycoming's instructions for having engines not regularly run, start the plane, get the oil up to temperature and circulating then afterwards, cut the filter open. If the wear has already started, the trip across could be dangerous.... The cost of a filter against the risk of camshaft wear leading to low power on an SEP Atlantic crossing is just not worth the risk.....
This is very wise advice, if you've "gotta know" your engine is okay. There are many factors affecting Lycoming camshaft disintegration, with corrosion being one. Unfortunately, when it begins, it cascades to bad quickly. I have flown Lycoming 360's which have not run for two years, ignored and frozen, to be inspected and be perfectly fine, and others, which are regularly operated coming undone. look for metal in the oil filter, if none, smile and fly....