OK, here's today's status:

Recehecked all vacuum lines, checked for vacuum leaks both with stethescope and with carb cleaner...no leaks.

Compression remains good between 170 and 185 PSI, hot.

Dizzy cap has minor carbon tracking, a new one is on order. If this were the problem, I'd think it would show at more than just starting.

Spark plugs: NKG BKR6EK...the heat range is right, but don't know what the last two letters mean..they are different than recommended, but have been fine for 20,000 miles until this started. All electrodes are fine, little ash or oil build up, but the center porcelins are blistered. Since the heat range is correct, I have to assume the car is running too lean, which sort of is the way the starting seems...way too lean. But I have no vacuum leaks, (see above). New Volvo plugs are also on order, Bougicord wires have about 30,000 miles. PCV system was replaced 11,000 miles ago

Fuel pressure regulator was replaced within the past year, and the system holds pressure per Klaus' instructions.

It's still hard to start, sometimes just needs to crank 15-20 seconds, and then it''s fine, other times it starts firing one cylinder at a time until it catches. either way, once it's running, it's fine.

So where do I start looking now?