Yeah, they were "limited" to the Ford EEC IV mass air setup, which may not be as good as DFI or the new FAST stuff, but there are plenty of 1,000 hp cars running it, and the carbs weren't just a little bit faster either...
When the theory don't match the results, get a new theory! LOL
Manufacturers got rid of the carbs to meet EPA smog standards and for mileage purposes. Performance had zero to do with it, and they adopted EFI long before it got good. Further, modern hot-rod carburetors are a lot better for reliability and driveability than the factory stuff ever was.
Potato/potatoe. They're both a waste of time and money. Pick the waste you like best!