I really don't know why your engine is running lean if the center carb has #52 jets and you did install block off plates on the front and rear carbs, other than a vacuum leak which you've already looked for and couldn't find. Without being there, all I can say is if it were my engine, and I was starting from scratch, I would keep #52 jets in the center carb, and on the front and rear carbs use a power valve block off plug, and seat the two idle mixture screws. Then put about #55 jets in the front and rear carbs because of the blocked off power system. Also on the front and rear carbs you need to completely close the idle speed screw until the throttle plates are seated and sticking in the bores. Then turn the speed screws in until they just contact the throttle lever, then a wee bit more (less than a 1/16th of a turn, Just enough to keep the plates from sticking in the throttle bores. Also need to make sure there is some type of return spring for the front and rear carbs too. This is assuming you have progressive lnkage, which it looks like you have.
Sal