727 Kickdown Linkage Adjustment - HELP!

I think I made a mistake in my earlier post. The FSM tells you to wire the trans lever all the way forward, adjust the vertical link so the drill bit fits into the alignment holes, and adjust the carb link so the slot barely touches the carb pin. Then, and only then, do you unwire the trans lever, and check that the slotted linkage moves freely forward when you push it back and release it. So, when the carb is at idle, the trans lever is fully forward. When the carb is at WOT, the trans lever is somewhere else but the FSM doesn't say it has to be fully rearward. Where the trans lever is at different throttle positions (other than idle) depends strictly on the geometry of the kickdown linkage bellcranks, levers, etc. The only FSM adjustments are to ensure that when the trans lever is fully forward, (1) the drill bit lines up, and (2) the slotted link engages the carb pin but doesn't apply any pressure to it. Outside of this, if we start shortening/lengthening the kickdown linkages, the slotted link will either apply pressure on the carb pin or it won't touch it at idle (with the trans lever held fully forward). This kind of adjustment will result in earlier/delayed shifts, but it diverges from the FSM adjustment procedure. Meanwhile, I can't get my trans to start out in 1st gear.....and it won't kickdown to first gear either....