Hi miff,
Maybe also look at it this way:
You are going on your first date with a beautiful young lady to an expensive function.
Your suit fits perfectly, you want to impress the young lady, and not miss one dance.
After dressing, you notice you have loose bowels and a headache ......... do you take Aspirin only for the headache; or Imodium only, for the loose bowels; or both and don't miss one dance.
With a Model A, it would be advised to adjust points, then adjust timing, then adjust carburetor, and when you step on the gas, (no pun intended), your engine should be tuned up.
Could be a fuel pump problem also?????
Hope this helps.