Power Valve Saver

I think I have a problem with my power valve so I'm going in after it. As I posted already I'm not too pleased with ripping into my NEW six pack carbs as it is. I have a few questions:

1) Why did this valve go bad (if it indeed IS bad) when these are new carbs with hardly any miles on them... The car did sit for almost a year waiting for the new motor. Do these things dry rot from lack of use? I don't remember back-firing, which I hear is death for a power valve.Is there a way to test them?

2) Is this "power valve saver" kit worth looking into and will it fit the 2 bbl. on my set-up? I'm not looking forward to making this a routine maintenence project changing these valves if they're so delicate.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&item=7926587557&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

3)Why is Brett's avatar so intoxicating? It draws me like a moth to a light bulb.... My wife finds me staring at it all too often. She's getting annoyed.

4)And finally, am I the only one whom is being tortured building their car?

Thanks gang :thumrigh: