Meant to add - I'm well aware that we see all manner of combos out there - I've owned/played with no vacuum advance at all (along with breather tubes instead of PCV systems!), ported vacuum timing altering devices, vacuum retard, etc.

Vacuum advance can help improve throttle response, fuel mileage and performance. If you don't have it -- simply stick with the other parameters. Try to alter things so you can run 12-18 degrees BTDC advance static; and add in enough centrifugal to get up into the 32-36 degree range preferably all in by 3000 rpm. Additional timing advance from a vacuum advance device is icing on that cake.