Is this Demon just junk or am I just junk at dealing with it?

This is just wrong. It’s was always wrong. It will always be wrong.

Idle vacuum doesn’t mean a thing regarding power valve operation. Piss on Holley for never having the balls to correct this.

Do NOT set your power valve opening by idle vacuum. It’s wrong. If you are going to do it, stop. If you are doing it, stop.
Link to a video where the power valve is closed with a manual vacuum pump.
Effect of an open or closed PV on idle
Paraphrasing FalconGeorge. Changing main jets has no real affect on idle. Not in most cases anyway.