Stem seals will NOT show up on a compression test - FACT! The stem seals are outside of the closed environment of the cylinders. Yes they will give smoke under certain conditions, including idle BUT the time they show the most is on a cold start. Under idle, there is a much higher vacuum in the cylinders on the intake stroke (due to closed throttle flap) and when the intake valve opens this vacuum is then presented to the stem seals which causes the pressure difference mentioned by your mechanic. The ONLY time that stem seals can cause a
problem is while the valve is OPEN - ie not during the compression cycle....
Sorry if this doesn't make much sense, please ask if there is anything unclear
Cheers,
Andy