Step up spring clarification? AVS2

I started with a wideband on mine so it was easy to see. It is running fine at hot idle but rich at cruise, about 12.5+-. I want it to cruise about 13.5+- so it is a small adjustment. The tech wanted me to leave it alone but he isn't buying my gas so he reluctantly recommend the rod change that I bought and the spring kit was a no brainer. I will keep the thread posted.
Edit: The tech said to read the plugs, it was more important and my plugs read perfectly the way the carb is now.
I think a wideband is the way to go. A little fatter rod on the little end. Doesn't sound like it's that far off. As long as it doesn't ping. Have you noticed a difference in how it runs or sounds?