[Capt Kirk]

Considering the couple issues found with your carb based on the pictures, I'd try another carb as well too. It's a quick and easy check and will answer a lot of questions. You may have more than one issue that you're fighting with. If a loaner carb fixes your idle issue and you're low vacuum then you have your answer. If a loaner carb fixes your idle issue but still have low vacuum then you've got things whittled down to a manageable level.