I am also concerned I may be missing something and not performing these test exactly as you intended since the results are not coming back as expected.

With my helper cranking the engine (it is turning over trying to start)and I drag the exposed metal pin of the zigzag connector (from the ECU harness side of the connector) across the intake, I get what looks to me to be a very strong spark and I still get the spark if I drag the connector across the intake when she lets the ignition switch drop back to the run position.