An update for those interested:

My tuning has evolved:

I now run Omega 15%. A buddy recommended the synthetic version, but the Omega was recommended earlier. I also finally got the bright idea to call customer service. They recommended the Omega.

The OS#8 plug run ok, I guess. Much better than when I started this mess. I tried a 4 stroke plug, a H9 "super plug" supposedly OEM for this engine. The 4 stroke plug cleaned up the engine performance quite a bit IF I can get the engine running in the proper direction. With the OS#8 it starts backward about 25% of the time, with the 4 stroke plug about 50%. From my research and advice this is an indication of too hot a plug - causes detonation (preignition) and she starts and runs backward. I'm not too sure what to do about this yet. It runs like crap with a cooler plug and barely at all with the 10% (cooler?) fuel.

Anyways, what I have now is an engine that runs quite well, with LOTS of power IF it doesn't start backward AND I can get it warmed up.

It still appears to be very running rich (visually) although tuning says it's just right.

It is very difficult to keep the engine temp up. The air is getting quite cool now. I've never run an engine in the winter time (actually this is my first year with glow) but if I pull the engine to idle with an extended glide, for example landing, the engine seems to cool enough that it'll spit and die on the transition back up (like a touch and go.) If I fly it and have fun, or even just putter around the skies, it acts pretty good.

The low speed needle is secured from vibrating-loosing adjustment by an o-ring I installed around the needle. Works well.
The high speed is secured by a piece of fuel line slipped over the knob. Works well.

Is the ambient temps too cool? Could I install a shield in front to limit the amount of air over the engine and keep the temps up? Y'know like they do on big diesel trucks in front of the radiator up north?

Any takers?