Holley 2280 - Accelerator pump adjustment

Can anyone confirm how the rod is supposed to be bent in order to adjust the accelerator pump on a Holley 2280? Specifically, lowering the lever.

Following the procedure of putting a straight edge across the top, my pump lever sits a good bit higher than the straight edge. I have read that to lower this, I need to bend the rod on the side of the carb. However, looking at it, if I bend the rod, it seems to me that would pull the accelerator pump lever down which in turn would actually increase the height of it, rather than lower it, which is what I want. If I straighten the rod, it pushes the lever up which in turn seems to lower the pump lever.

I am having an issue where the engine likes to cut out at odd times with minimal throttle input, for example pulling out at a stop sign (not fun pulling out onto a 55mph road and the engine almost cutting out), or making a right turn onto a street with an incline (cut out entirely here, but I was able to coast to the side of the road and get going again). As far as I can tell, this seems to be an accelerator pump issue and is typical of the Holley 2280 if not adjusted properly. Cruising along is fine, it only seems to act up in certain situations as if there is a dead spot towards the top of the throttle travel.

Thanks.