If the power valve is ruptured or not sealing, fuel goes straight down into the manifold. Unless you have a 4- hole spacer underneath, then it spreads out a bit as it goes into the plenum.
There are two gaskets shapes. One is slightly triangular on the inside diameter. Sometimes those gaskets split upon removal; one half sticks to the block and the other half to the power valve.
Yea. Sure. It's rich! That's what engines like when starting.