Lets start with a new setup engine. Where do you start?

For simplicity sake, lets say the new engine is already properly broken in and you are starting with extra head shims (low compression), long pipe (untrimmed), and an assortment of hot to cold glow plugs.

Let's toss nitro percent out the window for now, or at least say staying with the same percentages and load on the motor.

What variable gets worked first and in what order do you take until you reach its top power?

Is there a logical path to sneak up on it to save hurting the motor or burning glow plugs or cutting the pipe too short, without back-tracking unnecessarily?

I go with the high speed mixture. While adjusting i take not that it is responsive enough to make the engine run rich.

Then the Low speed mixture to peak. Then enrichen the low speed enough for good transition

Modern sport engines are setup with low timing and compression making tuned pipe operation safe and easy. High port engines are much more critical about pipe and carb tuning. Pick a prop load, fuel, and shorten the pipe until it surges by 80% throttle. No special glow plug is needed until rpm gets very high or plug life is too short. Any changes to prop load or fuel will require retuning. This is something you will have to learn yourself or find someone that can show you how its done.