Connecting 'vacuum amplifier' causes hesitation off idle

The EGR's main purpose is to lower combustion temperatures and reduce NOx emissions. It tends to have a negative effect on efficiency and smooth engine operation. So deleting that is a positive step forward in engine performance. Using a blockoff plate is best as you don't know if the EGR is stuck in the open position or not; you can test by sucking on a hose to the EGR port and seeing if the valve's shaft moves freely.

The smog pump was made to help burn off leftover hydrocarbons in the exhaust; as such it does not really effect performance but tends to be a good place to have problems from corroded parts.

The canister is a part of the fuel tanks venting system, and is not harmful to performance. The fact that you are smelling vapors with not line to it is what would be expected. IMO, keep it connected in the right places; the carb/intake should only pull from the canister under medium and WOT throttle conditions, so keeping the connections intact is needed. The canister re-fill is a good idea.