uncle tony's garage gets called out by the roadkill guys

I do think the idle circuit is too rich. That could be one reason it takes a bit to start hot. The hotter plugs didn't help, but it won't hurt having them back in either. Which would be better? To change the idle air bleeds on top or the idle restrictors in the metering block?
Let me know when correct heat range plug 1st. When you do..then reset the idle mix by tach and adjust them both the same amount. You'll find as you open it up.. the RPM will increase to a point that it then decreases, thats too rich...go back to that initial increase and stop. Turn it off, count the number of times as you turn them in all the way ..and then reset them both the exact same as the one with the least/leanest/fewest turns.
Check your plugs and starting issue afterward.