fuel pressure drop

I guess one could run the gauge out from under the hood, for a test run...but I hate the idea of installing a rubber fuel line that long, and having the gauge flop around

Well I don't mean drive around with it flopping about. I'm thinking more just sitting in the driveway and watch the gauge. Although if you really wanted you could always rig up a hoseclamp around the fresh air vents, run the line under the hood. As a temporary way to diagnose. I wouldn't go more than around the block though.