Carter 750 float level

I've got a Carter 9755s (750) that I'm giving a once-over before it gets put back in service. Almost zero use, it's been sitting on the shelf for ages. It has the spring-loaded needles, float level was right on at 5/16" (per the Carter instruction sheet I found) "With only the weight of the floats on the needles". It also states "Do not press needle into seat when adjusting float lever" but when I do, gently, there's only 1/8" +/- between the float and the gasket. I've got my regulator set to 5.5 psi, but it's got me wondering how that won't overcome the spring and push the floats almost up to the gasket, which seems a bit high. Especially since the Edelbrock instructions call for a 7/16" gap, with solid needles. A I've read that float level on these carbs is pretty critical, I'd feel better with input from those more experienced than I (which won't be hard) before I put it all back together. TIA.