If the timing situation seemed to be close to what I thought I’d end up with(20-25 initial/32-38 total), then “my” next step is to just grab another carb off the shelf to see if a different carb solves the problem, or at the least changes the idle characteristics.

I realize a lot of people don’t have that option........ but I haven’t had only one carb on hand for many many years.

I find that swapping to “known good” parts is a pretty effective way to troubleshoot.