Well....I "solved" the problem. The Toro QCV's (#474's - two piece) installed on that project were faulty. The key I have (Rainbird 44) works perfect in other Toro 474 QCV's. The key works with the Toro QCV's at the supply store.
We even found a Toro key (#464-02) and even it doesn't work in those valves. Nobody, the Owner nor the supply house, can find a key that works in those valves, thus the conclusion they are faulty.
There goes a wasted day.......