It sounds like jetting is close if the plugs are looking good & staying clean but ethanol fuels complicate the readings .
O2 sensors are definatly a better / more accurate way to be sure .
Basically the jetting is a smaller step while rods make larger changes changes , there should be charts showing the step by step changes , this is again why I like Holley better , 1 number is the next step not a combination of changing both jets & rods everytime you want to make one step .
The float level makes a big difference as well , the factory spec may not work , extra fuel pressure raise the level , low pressure reduces the level , if the level is low this will cause lazy reaction from the accelerator pump so simply raising the float levels 1/8 " may make a big difference .
the other issue is the bleeds , if the bleeds are too large responce becomes lazy , Holley allows change , AFBs do not , using a longer duration cam reduces vacuum so the so the bleeds need to be smaller , you can accomplish this by inserting a small wire into the bleed & twist the wire so the wire cannot fall out so I would try this before you go to a "Pro" , most pros will miss this .