Forgive the stupid stroker kit question.

No argument here.
I agree w/ the above, but a race balance job sure makes an engine mounted on an engine plate smoother . I cant even feel mine .

That’s because there is a difference, and in YR’s case his level of detail isn’t where mine or my shop’s is. Not a problem it just means I would take my stuff to him, and he would not talk to me...lol. I can usually tell when I work on them what has a good balance job. And for me, there’s either good, or not good enough. Not “good” or “better”.
And yes- I know how crappy the OEM deals of the vintage are.