I am almost embarrased to post this but I fixed my miss today. I ordered a whole new set of plugs, put them in and whoa what a difference.
Engine runs very smooth and even has some pulling power now. Thanks to a sticky throttle cable I even barked the left rear tire in reverse...wow.
How long does it take for rings to seat in an engine like this? It still smokes a little when I let off the gas. White puffy smoke, not black smelly.