If it dies suddenly when going from idle to open your idle mix may be too lean (the little screw inside the barrel). Turn it about 30º counter clockwise.

The manual has good instructions on how to adjust the idle and full throttle mixes. It's a good little engine when you get it set. You are correct that it has a shorter throw between closed and full open. But it still goes full range and you can adjust the servo linkage (or set the travel on a computer radio) so that you still get the same sensitivity of the OS.

I sucked some dirt (oops) and must have missed some. Lost compression & found the cylinder scoured. I sent my .46 back for repair (it was two years old) TT replaced the piston & sleeve free, even though I admitted full responsibility.