That blows. Probably a worthwhile upgrade anyway.
Just to play devils advocate, what if these two things aren't related? Would FP of 27-29 psi cause a lean condition with no load in neutral, I wouldn't think so. It's possible of course. But I'd think you could have seriously low FP and still have enough fuel to run properly under no load.
Of course you have to fix the FP becasue something ain't right there. But is it causing the lean condition? That's the question I guess.
You'll figure it out. It's alot easier to get stuff done when the weather breaks. It's finally happening here!