idle too high, makes undriveable

You never mentioned that you tapped the gas to kick it off the fast idle. You should be able to do that at any time after the engine fires. I usually let mine warm up a few min. first. And yes the idle will increase as the engine warms up. You should take off the air cleaner and start the engine cold and watch everything that the choke and fast idle cam does. Once you understand how it works you will be able to fix it.