OK, well here's the verdict.
All of the emissions system components were functioning normally.
The hard line in the tank from bottom to up by filler cap was clogged. A little persuasion with some wire, brake cleaner and air cleared the line.
I removed the charcoal canister. bridged the 2 hoses on either side of carb together (like a balance tube) and stripped the rest of the crap off. ran the fuel tank vent line down and under the bike, and utilized the original check valve to keep crap out of the tank.
The tank now vents like a champ. I think this will make the bike a bit more cooperative.
took off about 2 pounds of crap.