Here is how our fuel line is now... it goes in front of the alternator, around the front of the engine, then up into a plastic fuel filter and then into the carb.
Side Note!!! That air filter/lawn mower thing is not there any more... she has a real nice stock one!
As far as the choke goes we have been trying to figure that out for months and months! There is no high rev when started... I have to hold down the pedal half way for about 30 sec, then release for it to stay running when cold.
We were told by someone that once we put the pedal down the choke should close and when its warm enough that it should open, but it never does that.