Jason, I'm in the middle of a bunch of things at work, so I only have time for a quick message. If you really can't tell whether your engine is lean or rich, I suggest you minimize the amount of time you run it until you find someone with airplane experience who can help you. With all engines, ABC in particular, proper break in is really important. Running the engine too lean, or too rich, can ruin an engine, or at least shorten its lifespan.

For reference, one of my favorite engines, an OS 25 FSR, is also the second engine I ever bought, sometime in the late '70s. It still runs strong even though it's probably had thousands of flights. I attribute this to careful break in and a fanatical avoidance of lean runs. Of course I guess I should also give a little credit to OS for making a really good product back then

Unlike 4 year olds, we all have an understanding of risk and consequences. Everyone has been providing you with their opinions. Sometimes people at opposite sides of an issue have trouble seeing that it's possible for BOTH sides to be right. At this point in your R/C career, spending time with local people is the best thing you can do. Reading is valuable, but you will learn much more by being able to see what they do, and so they can help you develop safe practices before you learn any bad habits.