That is correct for #1 6 and 12 is for #6 its just easier to line the dots up 6 and 12 crank the engine over like you have it and your on #1 tdc compression stroke.
Yeah, the return springs look like an overkill. I'd remove the outer one and rehang the inner pair where they attach in between the gap of the accelerator cable clevis. That way they pull straight on the cable and not at an angle which levers the carb link.
I tried it with just two... It wouldn't kick down all the way. The third spring is pretty weak but it's there because it has to be.
Naw, it doesn't have to be. It shouldn't be. You've got something wrong somewhere with that linkage or cable or whatever it is. You need to look it over very closely.
Rusty! I think its close to 6 million just in sydney metro area! Outside of the capital cities it is very sparsly populated. Today was a bamly 39c degrees in sydney (103f) and its only spring! its a lot hotter up north! Whats the temp in your city?