Ok, so when I started it up today it's decided to run smooth. I turned the idle down to about 700 or 800, adjusted the base timing 18, and adjusted the idle mixture screws until I got a steady 19" vacuum reading. I can put it in gear without my foot on the gas and it runs great.

So, this should narrow down the possible problems. Every problem I've listed in this post went away all together at the same time.

I think issue that causes all those symptoms is misfire, caused by either my ignition, plug or valves. Because now that the engine is running fine, it doesn't vibrate and run smooth. I've reved it a couple times, but Im afraid to punch it from a stop, or brake hard, for fear it will bring the problem back. There's more I want to learn while it's running well.

I'll pull plugs next and see if I have fouling.

FYI the mixture screws had an obvious effect on the vacuum once I was able to bring the idle down to normal