FYI: The distributor reluctor gap will allow the car to start cold, but not hot when at .030".... (I know from experience...) I found the "grey area" by accident by not checking a new distributor once.... Don't assume a brand new MP distributor has the gap set correctly.... :???:
It should be set to .007" - .008" with a brass feeler gauge. :D
We were writing at the same time....LOL. And I just popped in to say what you just said about running cold with a wide gap but not being able to run or fire warm; the sensor sensitivity goes down when hot (A LOT).