Interesting stuff Rob. I would think this would apply to really radical motor setups. Hmmmmm,,,, in fact I think I'll play with the base timing on my 12.5 to 1 with radical cam and ZERO vacuum at idle motor today.
Actually, I can't leave the base timing to high for "ping" and "starter" reasons, but it will be an interesting exercise to see how it affects my idle condition.
For those that ARE having starter related issues due to "extreme" base timing:
MSD or somebody like them makes a "starter saver". An electronic device that retards the timing while the starter is cranking.
Ridelikehell I STILL think has something else going on. The Ford B303 cam is NOT a "radical" cam at all and should not be a factor in his case. Perhaps there is a vacuum leak 'causing a serioulsy lean idle condition? What kind of carb you running with the B303 cam?