Programming MSD - when should timing be all in?

I think it was crackedback that said it all, " give it what it needs". You get there by starting as you have, then working up. I look at RPM, manifold pressure (MAP), advance RPM, advance MAP. Then a dyno, or open space where you can safely drive, check out your timing table. Short term loading at a particular RPM, MAP varies with throttle position, hills help increase load. Ping under load is too much, at light load, fluctuations and roughness, is too much vacuum advance.

I looked at the MSD instruction, the timing controls were set up with retard in mind. I think of advance. I was going to have to rethink everthing, with no need for me to ever use one, I did not go further. So I am not good with helping with MSD settings.