Much of any smoke trail on a Saito means you're too rich.

Yes, of course the TNC costs more. If someone has the money, buy it. It's accurate where the Hobbyco ones aren't. And, they are far safer. No more holding tachs half an inch from a prop running at 10,000 rpm, and no more using flashlights just to get bouncy readings. I don't miss that and now I just hold the plane with my ankles on the stab and point the TNC towards the prop. I could easily live without a tach, but I've never regretted spending the money when I really didn't have it at the time.

I would rely more on listening to an engine than pinching fuel lines. Just my preference. I get it set on the ground with 300-400 rpm rich on the hs needle, and go fly around the field. If it sounds good, it probably is. However, you can hear problems if you are slightly lean. When I hear engines start going lean, I land and tweak the hs and go around the field again. Later in the flight, I'm listening for half fuel tank performance sometimes and on the vertical lines.

The low speed need to be set where it will accelerate quickly without much stumbling or hesitation. Get it the best you can. Then, let the engine idle for 20-30 seconds and give it full throttle. Listen for performance as it burns off the fuel. If you have problems, it probably needs leaning. Repeat this as often as it takes. It's a drag to crank, check, shutdown, tweak the needle, crank, etc. But, it's worth it when you find the spot just rich of lean. You are looking for those long idles on final approach where you have confidence in the engine when you have one of those full throttle seconds before the crash moments.