OMG! Touchy are we....? And totally unable to understand an ironic comment it seems. That's ok - we all have our days. You may also want to look up the definition of "lol" in internet shorthand...
In any event, to everyone else, thank you for taking the time to answer my request for information and advice. It is most helpful and appreciated.
If it is a major rebuild, it is certainly beyond my capability and desire - I would be the first to admit it. If it does fall into that camp, on a 35 year old engine I note the comments from another poster and I could see it being a bottomless pit with a very hard to justify cost-benefit. Not sure what the heck I would do then...
The most I would have any desire or capability to address is some easy component replacement and/or adjustment. I am going to remove the valve covers again and re-examine and try to adjust everything armed from info from here and the service manual. I'll see where that gets me. I would hate to relegate old Betsy to the bone yard after having had her for 35+ years, so wish me luck.
I will LYK how I make out.
BSA