Frank,
This may sound dumb.... (moi?), but write down everything you do and check each mod by seat of the pants before you do another mod. That way, if it is good or bad, you'll know what caused it.
I have AI out, snorkel out, no snorkels/restrictors were ever installed between my airbox and carbs so I didn't have to remove them. I have TBike pipes, 130 mains, TBS needles, stock pilot jets, and left pilot screw at 4 turns out/right screw at 5 turns out.
I tried a Uni air filter, didn't like the mess, so went back to stock. My plugs are darker than white, but not cocoa brown, but I am happy with the way the bike runs. Your results may vary.
I installed the allen screws in the carbs - they are a good investment, I also replaced the pilot screws with the knurled thumb screws - they are also a good investment.
There is a t-shirt out there somewhere that says a Triumph will turn a normal man into a mechanic.... that can be a good thing! Tinkering is part of the fun...
