And this is why my reasoning was the fuel pump.
With fuel restrictions like a sock or a filter they start cutting out at higher RPM's and progressively get worse, and not just suddenly die from lack of fuel sitting idling.
So I took it off and compared it to one my dad had that was newer. I was able to pump by hand pretty easily, it hadn't busted yet but it was worn out a good amount. Replaced the rubber inlet hose as well....it was very soft.