set the idle screw so the carb is open about the thickness of a matchbook cover ~ 0.5mm- 1.0mm.

I'm guessing the low end needle is not open far enough. Open it about 3 turns from bottomed out. To set this, open the slide valve (carb) all the way and bottom the screw out- then back the screw out 3 turns. You are probably in the park with the high end needle- at least to keep it running.