Are there any alternatives to lowering the compression on a DE other than pistons, like a thicker Head Gasket, or lower compression pistons are the way to go. Thanks.

I would stay away from thicker headgaskets for lowering compression. Pistons are the way to go.

Why do you avoid thicker head gaskets? I was thinking of getting a thinner head gasket for a friend's car, to raise compression (he's staying NA)