higher idle speed will almost always result in higher vacuum reading. Reset it to your base idle setting and see what you have for vacuum. You need apples to apples comparison.
You need to cure the fuel dripping from the boosters. If it's dripping, you'll never get a decent idle tune on it.
For what you have, i recommend putting a pv plug in both ends and get the idle tune up correct. Once you have it correct, remove the carb and look at the transfer slots to make sure there isn't too much exposed. If they are, you need to rethink.
A pv activated or affecting idle quality means the throttle blades are open too far.
Turn more initial into it and quit screwing around. :)