Good article Rusty. My two things to add, and please add your thoughts.
1 - how many times have I heard about the carb being too big so it is running rich......completely wrong! All things being equal a bigger carb will run leaner as there is less air velocity through the venturies, unless the jetting is screwed with.
2 - how many times have people put on all the fancy aftermarket brakes......then complained about how crappy the car stops. The factory stuff is good, use it! And power brakes are not required in an a body!