The Force 26 has a defiency in the block casting so that the lower carb o-ring can't seal well. If the carb loosens the tiniest bit, you get a leak. Best to seal the carb using a little RTV, especially over the ends of the pinch bolt.

This leak could cause hard starting but shouldn't have much affect on WOT running. Try richening the HSN a bit to see if that helps with WOT operation. If not, it may be starting to wear out.

Factory LSN setting is "flush", but you will find it accelrrates better when set somewhere between flush and 1 turn in