Stopping the knock: Lower compression and ported heads...

For the last 8 months I have really stepped it up in the efforts to make this car a better driver. I have made some good moves and some mistakes. I have taken some advice on some stuff and made my own decisions on others.
The decision to lower the compression by using the thicker head gaskets wasn't supported by everyone. Many thought it was a bad way to go. I am happy to report that the car runs better than I expected.
There is more tuning to do to get the Air/Fuel readings closer to ideal. In all the testing since getting the car running again, I've not heard a single incident of detonation. The car runs strong at WOT andpart throttle. I'm getting closer to making it run better at low speeds with the tuning changes. Yesterday I pulled off the MP Chrome ECU and installed the Rev-N-Nator box. I bought it in Sept of 2012 and ran it a short time back then. I had to limit the timing to 29 degrees total because it was even more sensitive to detonation than any of the other ECUs I tried. Backing off the timing put my initial timing setting at 15 degrees which made the car feel lazy off idle. Now with the almost 1 point less compression, the engine is more tolerant of running more spark lead. Now that I know how to adjust the timing curve in the MP electronic distributors , I think that I can make the Rev-N-Nator work to its potential.
Driving the car tonight, it felt really strong. It felt great at light acceleration and at cruise. It was responsive at every RPM level. I'm running 91 octane exclusively and the car hasn't knocked at any time. It feels stronger than I can ever remember in the whole time I've owned the car.
As I wrote, there is still more to do but I think I am on the right path. I want to thank the many FABO members that chimed in. RRR, 805Mopar, Sledge, Rice Nuker, TXStang and numerous others.
Keep reading and responding. I appreciate the advice and responses from anyone willing to help.